Bihar govt launches Patna joy ride under Heli‑Tourism Scheme

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Patna, July 18 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary on Saturday inaugurated the ‘Patna Joy Ride’ under the Bihar Heli‑Tourism and Air Tourism Scheme‑2026, marking a major initiative to promote aerial tourism in the state.

The launch took place at the State Hangar in Patna, where the Chief Minister flagged off the first helicopter joy ride and handed over tickets to the inaugural group of tourists.

The new initiative will allow residents and visitors to experience Patna from the sky, offering panoramic aerial views of the city’s historical landmarks, riverfront and urban landscape.

During the event, Samrat Chaudhary also felicitated four newly licensed commercial pilots by presenting them with Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) certificates. The recipients were Captain Kumar Dhairya, Captain Genius Vivek, Captain Karan Kumar Bharti and Captain Sonal Man Singh.

Congratulating the pilots, the Chief Minister encouraged Bihar’s youth to explore careers in aviation, describing the sector as one with immense opportunities and global potential.

Speaking at the inauguration, Samrat Chaudhary said the Bihar Heli‑Tourism and Air Tourism Scheme‑2026 is expected to give fresh impetus to tourism by enabling visitors to enjoy aerial views of the state’s historical, religious, cultural and natural attractions.

He said the initiative would promote tourism across Bihar, attract investment in the sector, generate new employment opportunities, provide tourists with a safe and memorable flying experience, and strengthen Bihar’s identity as an emerging tourism destination.

Tourism Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh said the scheme’s first phase will cover three destinations: Valmikinagar (West Champaran), Rajgir (Nalanda) and Maa Mundeshwari Temple (Kaimur).

According to him, a state‑owned aircraft will operate flights to Valmikinagar, while 6+2‑seater chartered helicopters will serve the Rajgir and Kaimur routes. Each flight will accommodate up to five tourists.

Initially, helicopter tourism services will operate on weekends, with scheduled flights on the Patna–Valmikinagar–Patna, Patna–Rajgir–Patna and Patna–Kaimur (Karamchat Dam Helipad)–Patna routes. The services will be available every Saturday and Sunday, allowing tourists to book regular aerial trips according to the published schedule.

The Bihar government expects the heli‑tourism initiative to gradually expand to other destinations, offering visitors a unique perspective on the state’s heritage and natural beauty while encouraging the growth of aviation‑linked tourism.

–IANS

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