In a significant boost to regional air connectivity, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami virtually inaugurated three new helicopter services operated by Heritage Aviation in Uttarakhand.
The new routes will connect Dehradun Airport to Naukuchiatal Helipad in Nainital, Haldwani Heliport to Garud Helipad in Bageshwar, and Dehradun Airport to Garud Helipad in Bageshwar. The initiative aims to enhance tourism, facilitate trade, and improve emergency response services in the region.
Speaking at the launch, CM Dhami emphasised the positive impact of these air services, stating that they will significantly reduce travel time for both locals and tourists while offering a vital transportation option during emergencies. He also highlighted the role of the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in strengthening air connectivity across Uttarakhand.
“These new helicopter services will bring a positive transformation in the lives of residents and travelers, making travel more efficient while also supporting tourism and the local economy,” the Chief Minister said. He further congratulated the people of Uttarakhand on the expansion of air services in the state.
With the launch of these routes, travel time between Dehradun and Naukuchiatal will be reduced to just 50 minutes, while flights between Haldwani and Garud, as well as Dehradun and Garud, will provide quick and efficient transport options. These services are expected to improve accessibility in Uttarakhand’s challenging mountainous terrain.
Heritage Aviation will operate these services using a 7-seater helicopter, ensuring reliable transportation for passengers. Additionally, these flights will serve as a critical resource for emergency response and disaster management. The Chief Minister reiterated the state government’s commitment to connecting Uttarakhand’s remote regions with better air services.
Describing the new initiative as a milestone for Uttarakhand, Dhami stated that the services would promote tourism, benefit local residents, and support business travellers. Under the UDAN scheme, the Uttarakhand government is developing 18 heliports, with 12 already operational. The introduction of these new helicopter routes will further strengthen travel and transportation infrastructure in the state.
Heritage Aviation is India’s only private helicopter company providing daily helicopter services under the UDAN scheme. It already operates flights from Haldwani to Champawat, Pithoragarh, and Munsiyari, and plans to introduce new routes from Dehradun to Tehri, Srinagar, and Gauchar in the coming months.
