Shimla, July 12 - State-owned helicopter services firm Pawan Hans, which primarily provides chopper services to various state governments and the Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), is among several companies eyeing the tourist-driven heli-taxi projects proposed in Himachal Pradesh, according to a senior official.

As per the proposal, the state will provide heli-taxi services to tourists, especially in far-flung tribal areas of Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti districts, apart from operating helicopter services from Delhi and Chandigarh to Shimla and other tourist spots in the state.

'Several companies like Pawan Hans, Global Vectra Helicorp and Aerosource have submitted technical and financial bids,' Tourism Secretary Manisha Nanda told IANS.

'We are processing the bids. The service will attract high-end tourists, both domestic and foreigners,' she added.

The tourism department has identified 57 helipads in the state that could be made functional for heli-taxi service. 'We are in process of developing a few more helipads, some in rural and tribal areas,' Nanda added.

Hoteliers have welcomed the heli-taxi proposal, saying poor air connectivity within the state was slowing the growth of the tourism sector.

'Tourist resorts in Manali are not attracting high-end tourists due to poor air connectivity.