HP to introduce heli-taxi services soon

Shimla, Sep 1 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh Government is considering a proposal to introduce heli-taxi services between Shimla and Chandigarh to give a boost to tourism in the state, Tourism Principal Secretary Abhay Shukla said today.

''Initially, a helicopter with only ten seats is likely to start operations. However, depending upon the demand and response, the capacity and the frequency of the flights will be increased,'' he told reporters here.

Mr Shukla said the state government has also approached the Centre for financial assistance to introduce the service, besides using the Kalyani helipad, which has been kept aside exclusively for the use of the President.

The government has sought the President's permission to use the helipad for commercial use since this has not been used for the last three years, he said.

He said this would not only boost tourism in the state but would also help in improving its infrastructure, besides beefing up security in the area.

The government has also approached a few local hoteliers, who have readily extended cooperation for making the project a success, he said, adding that this would attract high-end tourists to the state.

Besides, the hoteliers have also agreed to bear a part of the costs, but the major assistance has to come from the Centre, he said.

The Tourism Secretary said the government was also planning to introduce ''joy helicopter rides'' to unexplored sectors of the state.

''We are planning to economise flying so that it suits the budget of the tourists. We would like to take them to unexplored places in the state like the Chanchal Ranges for half an hour rides from here,'' he said.

He said the government was also in touch with flight operators at Chandigarh to help the state in ferrying passengers from Chandigarh to Shimla and back.

At present, only a fourteen-seater helicopter plies twice a week between Delhi and three airports of Shimla, Bhuntar in Kullu distrit and Gaggal in Kangra district.

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