Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, June 27: The state government has decided to introduce a helicopter service soon to provide air connectivity to Paradip. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary GC Pati Saturday.
Union government-owned Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited (PHHL) will provide the service from Bhubaneswar to Paradip. Aiming to provide air connectivity to tourists during Nabakalebara festival, the company has submitted a proposal to the state government seeking to expand the commercial helicopter service to the tourist destinations of Puri, Konark and Chilika.
“PHHL needs financial support and subsidy to provide the chopper service to Paradip. We have requested the Paradip Port Trust to examine the proposal and give its suggestions in the next 15 days,” general administration secretary GVV Sarma told reporters after attending the meeting.
He said two committees were constituted comprising representatives from the companies and tourism secretary Aravind Padhee to finalise the modalities and examine the economic viability of the chopper service.
“We are interested in launching a helicopter service to Paradip and we want the state government to put in place security arrangements and provisions for frisking tourists,” PHHL CMD BP Sharma said.
Replying to a question, the CMD said the service would be expensive and not economically viable.
The state government has requested PPT to provide infrastructure and other facilities in Paradip. “We can provide a helipad, guest rooms and firefighting facilities for five months,” said PPT chief engineer Ramachandra Rao.
Earlier, the state government had asked the Home department to provide security at the helipad area in Paradip in this regard.
Once the service is introduced, it will take 20 to 25 minutes to cover the 82-km distance between Paradip and Bhubaneswar, sources said.