Tourists can now explore Himachal in air taxis

Three companies — Sim Sam Airlines,Mesco Airlines and Shiva Airlines — will be given licence to run Heli-taxis. Mesco had earlier provided helicopter services to the state government for VVIP and emergency flights.

Besides,the government also plans to use Jagson Airlines’ 26-seater helicopter for tourists and to run winter flights to the tribal areas of Pangi and Lahaul-Spiti. A Jagson chopper is already with the state government for VVIP and emergency flights.

Tourism Director Dr Arun Sharma says: “I held a meeting with the representatives of all three companies today and worked out the modalities. An agreement will be signed with them within the next 24 hours. Thereafter,it will take a few days to formally start the Heli-taxi service in the state.”

The government had initially shortlisted four companies for grant of the licences. After a further scrutiny and examination of their flying records,three companies were finalised.

“The government wants to utilise the network of nearly 60 helipads for promoting tourism. Heli-taxi services are very popular in foreign countries and some states have already been successful in their effort. This will add a new activity to the tourism sector. Many high-end tourists had been writing to the government about such a facility,” says Sharma.

A helicopter service from Delhi,Chandigarh and destinations within Himachal will now be possible.

The government is also working on a plan to set up an international airport in the state. Some leading private sector companies,both in India and outside,have offered to explore possibilities of taking up the project,say officials.