Parliament Question: Provision of Helicopter Service for Tourists to Ooty

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5936 ANSWERED ON 30.03.2026 PROVISION OF HELICOPTER SERVICE FOR TOURISTS TO OOTY 5936. DR. GANAPATHY RAJKUMAR P: Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has any proposal to start/introduce a Helicopter service between the Textile city of Coimbatore and the famous tourist destination Ooty to save time of the tourists; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) if not, whether such proposal is likely to be considered by the Government to implement the said scheme in future for the convenience and enjoyment of tourists across the country to save the time and earn more income; and (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) to (d): As per provisions in the Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme, helicopter operation is permissible only in priority area, which defines its applicability in Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, North Eastern Region states and Andaman Nicobar Island & Lakshadweep islands. The Cabinet on 25th March, 2026 has approved the launch and implementation of the modified UDAN Scheme to increase regional connectivity to 120 new destinations across the country to cater to 4 crore passengers over the next 10 years. The scheme will also support helipads and smaller airports in hilly, aspirational and North East region districts. *******