Govt works on chopper services
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 04 2018: The State Government has been working to introduce three modes of helicopter services in the State including air ambulance.

Introduction of passenger helicopter service on Imphal-Jiribam, Imphal-Moreh and Imphal-Tamenglong routes which would be funded 75 per cent by the Ministry of Home Affairs and 25 per cent by the State Government is the first mode of helicopter service, informed a source.

Helicopter service between the State capital and Parbung, Thanlon, Moreh, Jiribam and Tamenglong under the Ministry of Civil Aviation's regional connectivity scheme Ude Desh Ki Aam Nagrik 2.0 is the second plan of the State Government.

The third mode of helicopter service is introduction of air ambulance under a joint initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, DoNER Ministry and Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The State Government will take key roles in all these three modes of helicopter service, said the source.

The first mode has been already approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Due arrangements are being made for introduction of the same mode of helicopter service with Pawan Hans, pending MHA's tender process for selection of a service provider.

But the State Government and Pawan Hans are yet to sign an MoU.

Nonetheless, a trial flight would be conducted soon.

Even though the State Government has constructed a helipad at Jiribam, it must obtain due permission from the Ministry of Defence for construction of helipads at Moreh and Tamenglong, informed the source.

Moreover, there are certain technical aspects including ground handling which must be taken care of before the helicopter service is launched.

A trial flight would be conducted in the first week of December for the second mode of helicopter service.

Pawan Hans has been selected for the same service.

The idea of air ambulance is basically a brainchild of Governor Dr Najma Heptulla and RIMS has been selected as the destination of air ambulance service, said the source.

As air ambulance service is highly technical and involves several Ministries, there are certain difficulties.

The State Government must take key roles and there must be at least 62 hours of flight in a month at the rate of Rs 100 per minute, added the source.

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