Bhopal, April 19 (IANS) In a significant boost to tourism and religious pilgrimage in Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will inaugurate a new sector connecting Bhopal with the historic towns of Chanderi and Orchha under the ambitious ‘PM Shri Heli Tourism’ service.
The event will take place as the Chief Minister flags off the helicopter and personally distributes boarding passes to the first batch of passengers. This new route, operating as Sector-2 of the service, aims to make travel seamless for devotees and tourists alike.
It will link the state capital directly to Orchha, the royal abode of Lord Shri Ram, home to the revered Shri Ram Raja Temple, and Chanderi, a town celebrated for its rich historical heritage, magnificent monuments, and exquisite Chanderi sarees and handicrafts.
Chanderi is a historic town as well as known for its silk sarees. Devotees can now undertake a comfortable darshan at the Ram Temple, while visitors can explore Chanderi’s cultural treasures in a matter of hours instead of a long road journey.
The helicopter service will operate five days a week — Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. One-way fares have been set at Rs 5,500 for the Bhopal-Chanderi leg and Rs 6,500 for Bhopal-Orchha.
A comprehensive ‘end-to-end’ package priced at Rs 14,500 will offer added conveniences, including taxi services, VIP darshan, and prasad, officials said. Additionally, a ‘Joy Ride’ facility will be available at both destinations for Rs 3,500, allowing tourists a thrilling aerial experience over these scenic locations. Safety and passenger comfort remain top priorities.
The service, run on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, deploys a modern six-seater helicopter. Pre-arranged facilities at the destinations include comfortable accommodation, meals, and experienced local guides.
The PM Shri Heli Tourism Service was originally launched by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on November 1, 2025, coinciding with Madhya Pradesh Foundation Day. Since then, it has successfully connected key circuits: the spiritual route linking Indore, Ujjain, and Omkareshwar, and the wildlife circuit covering Jabalpur, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Chitrakoot, and Maihar.
So far, over 2,648 tourists and devotees have benefited from the initiative, marking it as a pioneering effort in intra-state air connectivity for tourism, the officials said.
This expansion is expected to further enhance Madhya Pradesh’s position as a leading tourism destination by reducing travel time dramatically, promoting religious tourism, and showcasing the state’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Officials believe the new sector will particularly attract pilgrims seeking easy access to Orchha and culture enthusiasts eager to experience Chanderi’s timeless charm.
–IANS
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