UDAN-II scheme launched for Nation from Jubbarhatti airport

Shimla: Exactly 22-months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched affordable ---' Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik' flight from Shimla under UDAN-I regional connectivity scheme, Union Minister for civil aviation Suresh Prabhu and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Thursday jointly flagged off UDAN-II helicopter flight service between Shimla and Chandigarh.

Earlier to this, Chief Minister had allowed his official helicopter – Pawan Hans chopper for flights between Shimla and Chandigarh. The service, however, later was suspended as helicopter was grounded and inclement weather (poor visibility) forced stalling of the public-publicised service.

"Now, we will be dedicated alternate helicopter to operation between two destinations under the central government scheme aimed to provide better air connectivity to the people of the state, also the tourists," said Chief Minister.

Initially, it will be available for three days a week and later six days in the week.

The flight under UDAN-II will take off at 10 AM from Chandigarh and reach Shimla at 10.30 AM. It will return from Shimla at 10.55 AM to land Chandigarh at 11.25 AM.

"Initially, it would be a three-day flight in a week but after fortnight it would have six flights in a week. He said that one way fare would be Rs. 2280 and would ensure that the common man could also take benefit of this service" Chief Minister said.

He said apart from Shimla-Chandigarh, the UDAN-II scheme would also cover flights between Shimla-Kullu and Shimla-Dharamshala.

This would ensure that all the major tourist destinations/circuits of the State get air connectivity.

While addressing through video conference from New Delhi, Suresh Prabhu said, "UDAN-II scheme will not only provide better air connectivity to the people of Himachal Pradesh, but also help in providing convenient, comfortable and fast commutation facilities at the time of illness and other emergencies."

Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism) Ram Subhag Singh said that six day helicopter service in a week would be operational from Shimla to Chandigarh for the tourists and other commuters under UDAN-II.