Patna: Bihar has officially launched the Chief Minister Bihar Heli-Tourism and Air Tourism Service Scheme-2026, marking the state’s entry into organised heli-tourism with helicopter services to major religious and tourist destinations and aerial joy rides over Patna.
The scheme was inaugurated on Monday by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. According to the Tourism Department, commercial operations will begin on July 18, while online booking has been opened with immediate effect through this portal- bookingtourism.bihar.gov.in
The launch ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Tourism Minister Kedar Prasad Gupta, senior government officials and representatives of the tourism industry.
Where Can Tourists Fly?
In the first phase, helicopter services will connect tourists to some of Bihar’s prominent religious and heritage destinations.
The routes and fares are:
- Patna–Rajgir: Rs 4,000 per passenger
- Patna–Valmikinagar: Rs 5,000 per passenger
- Patna–Maa Mundeshwari Dham (Kaimur): Rs 6,000 per passenger
The scheme also introduces the Patna Skyline Joy Ride, offering an approximately 10-minute aerial tour of the city for Rs 2,100 per passenger.
Government Providing Subsidy
Speaking at the launch, Samrat Choudhary said the government is subsidising the helicopter services to make them affordable for a larger number of tourists.
According to the Chief Minister, the government is bearing a subsidy of up to Rs 15,422 per ticket for the services. He directed officials to gradually develop a financially sustainable model while ensuring wider public access.
He also suggested expanding operations beyond weekends by introducing daily services, increasing the number of helicopters if required and encouraging private operators to participate in the scheme.
Tourism As An Economic Driver
The Chief Minister said Bihar is redefining its identity through infrastructure development and tourism.
He urged people to become ambassadors for Bihar and said tourism has the potential to generate substantial revenue while showcasing the state’s cultural and historical heritage.
Referring to ongoing hospitality investments, he said the hotel project at Bankipur is expected to generate around Rs 17 crore annually in royalty for the government, while the Ashoka Hotel is projected to contribute approximately Rs 8.5 crore every year.
He said the long-term objective is for the Tourism Department to evolve into a major revenue-generating arm of the state government.
Push For Ropeway Projects
The Chief Minister also called for the expansion of ropeway infrastructure across Bihar.
He proposed developing ropeways linking major tourist destinations in south Bihar and suggested constructing a ropeway across the Ganges connecting Patna and Hariharnath Temple, describing it as a project that could become a major tourist attraction.
He said Bihar’s association with Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira gives the state immense potential to attract visitors from across the world.
More Tourism Projects Announced
During the programme, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a Buddhist Meditation and Experience Centre in Bodh Gaya at an estimated cost of Rs 165.44 crore.
He also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for tourism development and beautification projects worth Rs 28.50 crore across the state.
Certificates were distributed to beneficiaries under the Chief Minister’s Homestay Policy, while assistance was also extended to the Muzaffarpur Amusement Park project.
Tourism Expected To Boost Economy
Tourism Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh said the helicopter services would significantly reduce travel time to Bihar’s key religious, historical and natural attractions.
He said the initiative is expected to increase domestic and international tourist arrivals, generate employment, attract private investment and strengthen Bihar’s tourism-driven economy.
