Shimla, Oct. 21 -- Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday inaugurated helicopter services connecting Shimla with Rampur and Kinnaur, and said the state government was working to expand air connectivity to more destinations, including Manali, Palampur, Hamirpur and Chamba.

Speaking to reporters at Sanjauli Heliport in Shimla, Sukhu said the services would improve connectivity to remote areas, promote tourism and provide quicker access to healthcare in emergencies.

"During my recent visit to Rampur, people told me that the helipad was ready, but flights had not started. I raised the matter with the Union Civil Aviation Minister. We approved the state's share of the viability gap funding (VGF), following which ...