Dr. Sikander inquired about setting up of new heli taxis under UDAN scheme to boost connectivity in Himachal

Dr. Sikander Kumar, Rajya Sabha MP and State General Secretary BJP sought to know from the Civil Aviation Minister in the Parliament whether the Government has any plans to set up new heli taxis under UDAN scheme to boost connectivity and tourism in the State of Himachal Pradesh? Whether the Government will expedite the upgradation of Gaggal Airport to enable movement of bigger aircraft, ensure safe all-weather operations and start direct flight services to Ahmedabad and Mumbai and whether the Government is planning to adopt a top-down approach under which at least one helicopter emergency medical service will be available in every hilly area of the State of Himachal Pradesh?
Minister of State in the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol informed the House that under Regional Connectivity Scheme – Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN), 32 RCS routes connecting 4 airports/heliports namely Shimla, Kullu, Rampur (H) and Mandi (H) have been made operational in the State of Himachal Pradesh. The Government has recently announced the revised UDAN Scheme to enhance regional connectivity to 120 new destinations across the country including Himachal Pradesh and to cater to the requirement of 4 crore passengers in the next 10 years. The Scheme will also help in construction of helipads and small airports in hilly, aspiring and North Eastern Region districts.
He said that on the request of the State Government of Himachal Pradesh, the Airports Authority of India has prepared a proposal for expansion of the existing Gaggal Airport for which 369.82 acres of land has been requested from the State Government. The expansion of Kangra Airport has been planned for operation of 4C type aircraft under the terms of the Instrument Flight Rules. The expansion and development of the airport depends on the availability of land, financial viability as well as other facilities related to the desired aircraft operations.
Indian domestic aviation has been fully deregulated with the repeal of the Air Corporation Act in March 1994. Airlines are free to choose the market and route, to employ any type of aircraft and to operate in compliance with the route allocation guidelines issued by the government. Hence, the decision of any airline to start air services from any airport including Gaggal is dependent on operational and commercial viability.