Patna: Residents and tourists can now experience Patna from the sky after the Bihar government launched the Chief Minister Bihar Heli-Tourism and Air Tourism Service Scheme-2026, introducing helicopter joy rides over the city and air connectivity to several major tourist destinations.
The scheme was inaugurated on Saturday by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who flagged off the first flight after handing tickets to passengers and presenting a ceremonial badge to the helicopter pilot.
First Flight Takes Off
The inaugural helicopter departed at 3:40 pm carrying six passengers as part of the state’s first public heli-tourism service.
According to the Tourism Department, around 80 people had booked tickets following the launch, while 20 tourists participated in the joy rides on the first day.
The Patna Joy Ride, priced at Rs 2,100 per person, offers a 10-minute aerial tour at an altitude of approximately 1,200 feet.
Passengers can view several of the city’s landmarks from the air, including the Ganges, JP Ganga Path, Takht Sri Harimandir Sahib, and other prominent locations across Patna.
#Live: हेलीकॉप्टर जॉय राइड और पर्यटन योजनाओं का उद्घाटन कार्यक्रम… https://t.co/rasuBHPaUh
— Samrat Choudhary (@samrat4bjp) July 18, 2026
Weekend Service With Four Joy Rides Daily
Initially, the helicopter joy ride service will operate every Saturday and Sunday.
The Tourism Department has scheduled four joy rides each day, with helicopters departing at 30-minute intervals.
Because seating capacity is limited, advance booking is mandatory.
Air Connectivity To Three Tourist Destinations
The scheme also introduces helicopter and small aircraft services connecting Patna with three of Bihar’s prominent tourism destinations:
- Rajgir
- Valmikinagar
- Maa Mundeshwari Temple, Kaimur
The government has fixed the following fares:
- Patna Joy Ride: Rs 2,100 per person
- Rajgir: Rs 4,000 per person
- Valmikinagar: Rs 5,000 per person (one way)
- Maa Mundeshwari Temple, Kaimur: Rs 6,000 per person
According to the department, two helicopter services will operate daily on the Patna-Valmikinagar route, while morning services have been planned for Rajgir. Scheduled flights will also connect Patna with Kaimur.
Tourism Package Includes Guide
The Tourism Department said passengers travelling to the destinations will receive the services of a complimentary tourist guide.
However, visitors will be responsible for their own accommodation, meals and local transport expenses.
Bookings can be made through the online portals of Bihar Tourism and the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation.
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Boosting Religious And Heritage Tourism
The Bihar government said the initiative is intended to strengthen religious, heritage and eco-tourism by making key destinations more accessible.
Officials believe the project will generate employment opportunities in tourism hubs such as Rajgir, Valmikinagar and Kaimur, while positioning Bihar as an emerging destination for heli-tourism and regional air tourism.
