Gangtok: To enhance tourism and improve transportation infrastructure, the Sikkim Tourism and Civil Aviation Department has proposed the establishment of six heliports, one in each of the six districts of Sikkim.

The move aims to address the limited availability of helipads, which are currently insufficient to meet the demands of tourists.

ML Shrivastava, the Additional Chief Secretary overseeing the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, emphasised that these sectors play a crucial role in the livelihoods of the people in Sikkim.

Shrivastava said Sikkim is set to introduce railway services in the upcoming year. This move is expected to further improve connectivity within the state, making it more accessible for tourists and residents alike.

The SpiceJet flight that connects Pakyong and Kolkata, which was temporarily suspended in October, is scheduled to resume operations from September 5. The flight linking Delhi and Pakyong is already operational.

The government is in discussions to increase the number of airlines operating in the state, beyond just SpiceJet. This diversification could contribute to improved travel options and accessibility for tourists, Shrivastava further said.

A skywalk project at Bhaleydhunga, Yangang, has also been approved and will be funded through the PM DevINE Fund. This initiative is expected to add value to the tourism sector by offering visitors an attractive and unique attraction.

The transport department is taking measures to tackle overcharging issues by taxi drivers. They have planned to implement payments through QR codes to ensure fixed rates for travellers, thereby promoting fair and transparent pricing.

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