Shimla, Jan. 21 -- Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday inaugurated helicopter services from the Sanjauli heliport in Shimla, ending a three-year operational delay and marking a major expansion of the state's aerial network.

The launch links the state capital with daily flights to Bhuntar in Kullu and the ITBP helipad at Reckong Peo in Kinnaur, while a tri-weekly service will connect Shimla to Chandigarh on Monday, Friday, and Saturday.

The operationalisation of the Sanjauli heliport is a significant development for Himachal Pradesh's connectivity, which remains heavily dependent on narrow hill roads prone to seasonal landslides and snow blockages. Though the foundation stone for the Rs.15.86-crore project was laid in 2017...