Patna, July 13 (ABN) Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary today launched the 'Chief Minister Bihar Helitourism and Air Tourism Service Scheme 2026' at the 'Samvad Auditorium' of the Chief Minister Secretariat. Addressing the program organized on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that Bihar is not just a land of history and faith, but is rapidly moving forward to become a strong center of modern tourism, aiming to establish Bihar on the global tourism map. This scheme will usher in a new era in the state's tourism sector and provide air tourism facilities to the common people at affordable rates. He said that Bihar has been a center of great civilizations and cultures like Lord Buddha, Lord Mahavir, the world-famous Nalanda University, and the ancient Magadha Empire. The state government's objective is to give a new identity to these historical, religious, and cultural heritage sites at the national and international level and attract more tourists to Bihar. The Chief Minister said that under the 'Bihar Helitourism and Air Tourism Service Scheme-2026', helicopter services will be made available for major tourist destinations such as Patna, Rajgir, Valmiki Nagar, and Kaimur. A reasonable government subsidy per ticket will make this facility accessible to the common people. Booking will start from July 13, 2026, and regular helicopter services will operate every week and Sunday from July 18, 2026. He asked the Tourism Department to further expand air tourism and involve private stakeholders in it. The Chief Minister said that tourism is not just a means of travel, but a strong foundation for employment, investment, and economic growth. The state government is working to strengthen the tourism-based economy in every village by promoting homestays, local handicrafts, folk culture, local cuisine, and rural tourism, which will create new opportunities for employment and self-employment for the youth and local residents. The Chief Minister said that every citizen of Bihar is the state's biggest brand ambassador. He requested everyone to promote the positive image of Bihar's rich culture, heritage, and tourist destinations through their attitude, hospitality, and behavior. When every citizen of Bihar becomes a tourism ambassador, the state's identity will become stronger in the country and the world, and the tourism sector will reach new heights. The Chief Minister said that the Bihar government is continuously working to make the basic infrastructure of tourism world-class. New tourist circuits are being developed. Two big hotels are being built in Patna, which will generate good revenue. Places associated with Lord Buddha, such as Rajgir and Bodh Gaya, and those associated with Lord Mahavir, such as Lachhuar and Vaishali, and the temple of Mother Mandeshwari Mata, will be showcased to the country and the world. Bihar Museum is the best museum in the country, which has also been visited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. People from outside also visit the Bapu Tower and appreciate it. No other state in the country has such good rural roads as Bihar. Our villages are equipped with basic facilities like roads, electricity, and water. A ropeway is being conceptualized from JP Ganga Path to Baba Harihar Nath temple in Sonpur. The PPP model is being encouraged to promote private investment in the tourism sector. The Chief Minister said that we are committed to fulfilling the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Developed India' and former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's 'Prosperous Bihar'. He said that the Chief Minister Bihar Helitourism and Air Tourism Service Scheme 2026 will prove to be a milestone in the state's tourism sector and will not only make Bihar a leading tourist state in the country but also provide a new impetus to employment, investment, and overall economic growth. During the program, the Chief Minister distributed dummy checks to stakeholders under the Bihar Tourism Policy 2023 and certificates to various beneficiaries under the Chief Minister Homestay Promotion Scheme.