New Chandigarh-Shimla chopper service to cover journey in 20 minutes!
What's the story
From Monday, you will be able to cover the 120km Chandigarh-Shimla route in just 20 minutes, thanks to a new chopper service connecting the two.
The Himachal Pradesh government has partnered with Pawan Hans for the project to boost tourism in the state.
Initially, a 20-seater helicopter would be deployed for two services every week. It will be increased depending on the response.
Details
Tickets priced at Rs. 2,999 for now
In the beginning, "the chopper will take off from Shimla at 8am and reach Chandigarh at 8.20am. It will take off at 9am from Chandigarh and reach Shimla at 9.20am" on Mondays and Fridays, Pawan Hans said.
Tickets will be priced at Rs. 2,999.
Himachal CM Jairam Thakur will flag off the first flight on June 4 from Shimla Airport.
Comparison
Will the trip be worth it?
Currently, there is no direct air connectivity between the two state capitals. If you book an indirect flight from Chandigarh to Shimla for June 4, the day of the chopper service's inauguration, it could set you back by at least Rs. 12,000.
A bus journey, on the other hand, costs as low as Rs. 174. But it will take roughly 3.5 hours to reach.
Do you know?
Here's how you can book tickets on the new service
To book a ticket, head to the official Pawan Hans ticket booking website at www.booking.pawanhans.co.in. Select your origin, destination, date of journey and number of passengers. Confirm the booking and make the necessary payment to get your tickets.