Bihar launched the Mukhyamantri Bihar Heli‑Tourism and Air Tourism Service Scheme 2026 on 12 July 2026. Online booking opened 13 July and commercial operations were scheduled to begin on 18 July 2026, initially on weekends.
Scheme features
- Subsidy: State subsidy up to ₹15,422 per ticket.
- Administration: Joint initiative of the State Tourism Department and Civil Aviation Department.
- Schedule: Weekend operations (Saturday & Sunday) in the initial phase.
Routes, fares and capacity
- Routes: Patna–Valmikinagar, Patna–Maa Mundeshwari (Kaimur), Patna–Rajgir; also a 10‑minute Patna joy ride.
- Fares (ticketed): Joy ride ₹2,100; Patna–Rajgir ₹4,000; Patna–Valmikinagar ₹5,000; Patna–Kaimur ₹6,000.
- Aircraft: Government aircraft on Valmikinagar route; rented 6+2 seater helicopter on Kaimur and Rajgir routes with maximum five tourist seats per ferry.
Exam‑relevant location links
- Valmikinagar: West Champaran district; contains Valmiki Tiger Reserve (protected area).
- Maa Mundeshwari Temple: Kaimur district; cited among the oldest functional temples in India.
- Rajgir: Nalanda district; archaeological and religious site linked to Buddhism and Jainism.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- Operator compliance: Heli operations require an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) or contract with an AOC holder and must follow DGCA regulations for rotorcraft.
- Seating notation: “6+2” denotes six passenger seats plus two crew positions.