Bihar CM flags off helicopter joyrides in Patna

Patna, Jul 18 (PTI) Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday flagged off helicopter joyrides from Patna airport. Besides flagging off the joyride, he inaugurated the state hangar as part of the state government's efforts to promote air tourism. The initiative follows the state cabinet's approval of the 'Bihar Heli-Tourism and Air Tourism Service Scheme, 2026' in June, aimed at providing affordable helicopter services to the public and improving connectivity to major tourist destinations in the state. Choudhary also distributed certificates and badges to trainees who completed the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) programme at the Bihar Flying Institute. Five people, including two women, took the inaugural helicopter joyride in the presence of the chief minister. Deputy Chief Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav and Tourism Minister Kedar Prasad Gupta were also present at the event. Calling it a "historic day", Gupta said the launch of heli-tourism would give a major boost to the state tourism sector. "Under the leadership of Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Bihar will scale new heights and attract visitors from across the world," he told reporters. The minister said tourists can avail of a 10-minute Patna skyline helicopter joyride for Rs 2,100. "Helicopter services have also been introduced from Patna to Maa Mundeshwari Temple for Rs 6,000, Valmiki Nagar for Rs 5,000 and Rajgir for Rs 4,000. The network will be expanded in phases," he added. PTI SUK SOM