Tharu Heliport

Recent reports indicate that the Tharu Heliport (IN-0323), also known as Sanjauli Heliport near Shimla, which was inaugurated in January 2022, is not yet operational for commercial flights. As of December 2024, nearly three years after its inauguration, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had not issued the necessary operational license, primarily due to pending approvals for security manuals and contingency plans. Consequently, there are no traveler reviews or experiences to summarize regarding actual operations, facilities in use, security, or transportation connections.

What Travelers (Would) Love (Based on Planned Facilities):

• Modern Facilities: The heliport was designed with a reception counter, heliport manager's office, ticket counter, and a VIP lounge.
• Convenient Location: It is situated near the Sanjauli-Dhalli bypass and close to Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), making it potentially useful for medical emergencies and high-end tourists visiting the state.
• Parking Availability: Plans included parking for 50 vehicles.
• Enhanced Security: The facility was equipped with a CCTV surveillance system.

Common Complaints (Regarding Non-Operational Status):

• Non-Operational Status: The primary complaint is that the heliport has remained non-functional for commercial operations since its inauguration, disappointing hoteliers and tourists seeking improved air connectivity.
• Regulatory Delays: The delay in obtaining the operational license from the DGCA due to unapproved security manuals (anti-hijack and bomb threat contingency plans) is a significant impediment.
• Impact on Tourism: The lack of air connectivity continues to be a point of frustration for the tourism industry in Shimla, as high-end tourists often skip the region due to such issues.

In summary, despite being inaugurated with modern facilities intended to boost tourism and provide emergency services, the Tharu Heliport (Sanjauli Heliport) in Shimla remains unoperational for commercial use. Therefore, there are no traveler experiences to report, and the overall sentiment among stakeholders is likely one of disappointment regarding the prolonged delays in its activation.