Patna, June 17: The Bihar cabinet has approved the Chief Minister Bihar Heli-Tourism and Air Tourism Service Scheme 2026, a new initiative aimed at improving air connectivity to major tourist destinations across the state. Under the scheme, tourists will be able to access Rajgir, Valmikinagar and Maa Mundeshwari Temple through helicopter and air services from July 15.
The initiative is intended to reduce travel time to destinations that are geographically dispersed across Bihar and to make tourism more accessible for domestic and international visitors. Helicopter joyrides will also be introduced in Patna as part of the programme.
First phase to cover three destinations
According to the cabinet decision, the first phase of the scheme will operate from July 15, 2026, to January 15, 2027. The initial network will connect three prominent tourism destinations: Valmikinagar in West Champaran district, Maa Mundeshwari Temple in Kaimur district and Rajgir in Nalanda district.
Officials said the destinations were selected because of their cultural, religious and ecological significance and their potential to attract a larger number of visitors if travel access is improved.
Valmikinagar is home to the Valmiki Tiger Reserve and serves as one of Bihar’s major eco-tourism destinations. Rajgir is a key centre for Buddhist, Jain and historical tourism, while Maa Mundeshwari Temple is regarded as one of the oldest functional Hindu temples in the country.
State aircraft and chartered helicopters to be used
Under the scheme, the state government’s aircraft will be deployed for services to Valmikinagar. Chartered helicopters in the 6+2 seater category will be used for flights to Rajgir and Maa Mundeshwari Temple.
A maximum of five seats per trip may be reserved under the programme, according to the approved guidelines.
Officials said the service has been designed primarily as a tourism promotion initiative rather than a commercial venture. The objective is to improve connectivity to destinations that currently require lengthy road journeys and to encourage visitors to explore multiple locations within a limited period.
Patna Press could not independently verify details regarding fares, booking procedures or the anticipated number of flights, which have not yet been announced by the government.
Focus on tourism growth and regional connectivity
The state government said the scheme was developed in response to the need for faster and more comfortable travel options to Bihar’s tourism destinations.
Tourism officials have long argued that inadequate connectivity remains one of the major challenges facing the sector, particularly for destinations located far from major airports and railway hubs. Improved air access is expected to make weekend and short-duration travel more attractive for visitors.
The government believes that easier access could increase tourist footfall at key destinations and support local economies through higher spending on hospitality, transport and related services.
Impact on Bihar
The scheme comes as Bihar seeks to strengthen its tourism sector through investments in infrastructure, heritage conservation and visitor amenities. The state has been promoting Buddhist, religious, wildlife and heritage tourism circuits to attract more domestic and international travellers.
For residents of Bihar, particularly those in West Champaran, Kaimur and Nalanda districts, increased tourist arrivals could create new opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transport operators and local businesses linked to the tourism economy.
The introduction of helicopter joyrides in Patna is also expected to add a new tourism offering in the state capital, which serves as the primary gateway for visitors travelling to Bihar.
What happens next
The Tourism Department is expected to finalise operational arrangements before the scheme is launched on July 15. Details regarding ticket pricing, flight schedules, booking platforms and service frequency are likely to be announced closer to the commencement date.
The government will assess the performance of the first phase before considering the inclusion of additional destinations under the heli-tourism and air tourism network in the future.
