Now reach Kanha, Bandhavgarh–Satpura Tiger Reserve by helicopter:PM Shri Heli Tourism Service starts in MP; trial today, flights for public from tomorrow

Madhya Pradesh rolled out the PM Shri Helicopter Tourism Service on Thursday, marking a major push toward air connectivity across wildlife, eco-tourism, and spiritual destinations. While a trial run was conducted today with ministers, MPs, MLAs and other public representatives onboard, the service will open for the general public from Friday. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav had formally inaugurated the service on November 1, but regular flights will commence from November 20. As per schedule norms, no flight was planned for today, which is why ticket booking for common passengers has not been opened. Double-engine helicopters deployed for enhanced safety All helicopters included in the service are double-engine models to ensure maximum passenger safety. During the trial, representatives travelled between Bhopal, Pachmarhi and Madhai. Passenger weight was checked to avoid overloading, and short routes have been designed with designated emergency landing spots. Service launched in Jabalpur; Minister takes inaugural ride The tourism helicopter service also kicked off in Jabalpur, where Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh flagged off the first flight at 11:20 AM from Bhedaghat.
From Jabalpur, tourists can now reach Kanha, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Maihar, Chitrakoot and Amarkantak much faster. Flights will operate five days a week under the supervision of the Union Aviation Ministry and Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, with Fly Ola managing operations. The minister said Mahakaushal is a prominent tourist hub and the new service makes it easier for time-bound travelers to explore multiple destinations in a single day—something difficult via road routes. The minister said Mahakaushal is a prominent tourist hub and the new service makes it easier for time-bound travelers to explore multiple destinations in a single day—something difficult via road routes. Indore–Ujjain–Omkareshwar flights begin; booking now live The helicopter service also started from Indore, with six special guests taking the first flight to Ujjain.
Fare details include: Bookings are available on transbharat.in, where a launch offer shows Indore–Ujjain fares at 50% discount (Rs 5,000 instead of Rs 10,000). Travel agents note that the current fares exceed luxury road travel costs for small groups, but tourism officials are promoting the service by highlighting same-day Jyotirlinga visits to Mahakal (Ujjain) and Omkareshwar. Ujjain welcomes first helicopter with grand reception In Ujjain, local leaders and officials welcomed the first flight with drums and flower showers. The helicopter, carrying MLAs Ramesh Mendola and Mahendra Hardia, BJP leaders and journalists, landed at DRP Lines after an 18-minute journey from Indore. Three sectors, five days a week The PM Shri heli-tourism service connects wellness, wildlife, and religious circuits across MP.
Major locations include: Helicopters carry up to 6 passengers, making the service suitable for families and small groups. Aerial views of Satpura’s valleys, mountains and dense forests will be among the highlights. Helipads readied across MP MP Tourism Board has developed helipads at Pachmarhi, Omkareshwar, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Amarkantak, Chitrakoot, and Maihar. Bhopal, Indore and Jabalpur already have airports, while Ujjain has an airstrip. Online booking process Tickets can be booked at flyola.in on a first-come, first-served basis.
Most routes have 1–2 helicopters operating five days a week. Sector-wise Schedule and Fares Sector 1: Indore–Ujjain–Omkareshwar belt Covers Indore, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Mandu, Maheshwar, Gandhi Sagar, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Hanumantiya, Khandwa, Khargone, Burhanpur, Barwani, Alirajpur, Ratlam, Jhabua, Nalkheda. Sector 2: Bhopal–Pachmarhi–Madhai Includes Bhopal, Madhai, Pachmarhi, Tamia, Chhindwara, Sanchi, Indore, Datia, Damoh, Gwalior, Shivpuri, Kuno, Orchha, Guna, Rajgarh, Sagar, Narmadapuram, Betul and Tikamgarh. Sector 3: Wildlife and Sacred circuit Covers Jabalpur, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Chitrakoot, Sarsee, Parsuli, Maihar, Satna, Panna, Khajuraho, Katni, Rewa, Singrauli, Amarkantak, Seoni, Sidhi, Mandla, Pench and Dindori. Initial phase includes Jabalpur, Maihar, Chitrakoot, Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Amarkantak.