Patna: Bihar is set to launch the Chief Minister Bihar Heli-Tourism and Air Tourism Service Scheme 2026, introducing scheduled helicopter services to major tourist destinations and aerial sightseeing over Patna in an effort to boost tourism and improve connectivity.
The scheme will be launched on Monday by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and will be implemented jointly by the Tourism Department and the Civil Aviation Department.
Officials said the initiative is aimed at providing faster and more convenient access to religious, cultural and natural tourist destinations while promoting tourism-led economic development.
Which Destinations Will Be Covered?
In its first phase, the heli-tourism network will connect Valmikinagar (West Champaran), Rajgir (Nalanda) and Maa Mundeshwari Temple in Kaimur.
According to Tourism Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh, the government aircraft will operate the Patna–Valmikinagar route, while chartered helicopters will be used for services to Rajgir and Kaimur.
Each flight will reserve up to five seats for tourists.
Weekend Flight Schedule
The services will initially operate on Saturdays and Sundays.
Patna–Valmikinagar–Patna
- Departure: 10:00 am and 3:00 pm
- Return: 11:00 am and 4:30 pm
- Capacity: 20 seats per week
Patna–Rajgir–Patna
- Departure: 9:30 am
- Return: 10:30 am
- Capacity: 10 seats per week
Patna–Kaimur (Karamchat Dam Helipad)–Patna
- Departure: 11:00 am
- Return: 12:45 pm
- Capacity: 10 seats per week
Patna Joyrides Also Introduced
The scheme also includes helicopter joyrides offering aerial views of Patna.
The sightseeing flights will operate every Saturday and Sunday from 3:00 pm, with each ride lasting around 10 minutes.
Four flights will operate each day, with five seats available per ride.
Ticket Prices
The state government has announced concessional fares for passengers:
- Patna–Valmikinagar: Rs 5,000 per passenger
- Patna–Kaimur: Rs 6,000 per passenger
- Patna–Rajgir: Rs 4,000 per passenger
- Patna Helicopter Joyride: Rs 2,100 per seat
Tickets will be available through the online portals of Bihar Tourism and the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation.
Tourism Infrastructure Projects
During the programme, the Chief Minister will also hand over the first instalment of Rs 1.37 crore under the state’s Tourism Policy to M/s Toofani Adventure Pvt. Ltd. for an amusement park project in Muzaffarpur.
Under the Chief Minister’s Homestay Policy, certificates will be presented to Santosh Kumar of Valmikinagar, Usha Singh of Bodh Gaya and Purushottam Prakash of Barabar.
Bodh Gaya Meditation Centre
The Chief Minister will lay the foundation stone for a Buddhist Meditation and Experience Centre in Bodh Gaya at an estimated cost of Rs 165.44 crore.
According to the government, the facility is intended to provide international Buddhist pilgrims with a world-class meditation and experiential tourism centre.
Projects Worth Rs 28.50 Crore To Be Inaugurated
The Chief Minister will also inaugurate tourism projects worth Rs 28.50 crore, including:
- A thematic gateway at Maner Sharif
- Tourism facilities at Digha Ghat
- Beautification of Sandeshwar Nath Shiva Temple in Gaya
- Redevelopment of Gandhi Maidan Park in Gaya
- Entrance and lighting works at Vaishno Temple in Gaya
- Phase-II development at Brahmeshwar Sthan
- Development of Belaur Sun Temple in Bhojpur
- Beautification works at Devkuli Dham in Sheohar
- Tourism development at Nanak Sahib, Lalganj
Officials said the heli-tourism initiative is expected to improve access to major destinations, generate local employment and strengthen Bihar’s position as an emerging tourism destination.
