Chopper service: Global Vectra to replace Pawan Hans
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 29 2019: After the much talked about helicopter service for ferrying people from remote areas of the State came to a complete halt some months back, it has been reported that the same service will be continued by Global Vectra.

It may be recalled that the Transport Department, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, launched helicopter service in Manipur on September 20 last year with Chief Minister N Biren Singh taking part in its maiden flight between Imphal and Jiribam.

Then on October 30, the helicopter service by Pawan Hans began Imphal to Moreh and Imphal to Tamenglong service as well.

The distance between Imphal and Jiribam is around 222 kilometres and the people saw a ray of hope when the helicopter service began as now they had an alternate means of travel to cover the rugged terrain.

On helicopter, the distance took only around 35 minutes to cover.

The fare per head was Rs 3000 only per trip and the service was available all week, except on Sundays and general holidays.

On the other hand, the Imphal-Moreh (111 km) and Imphal-Tamenglong (158 km) helicopter service charged Rs 2000 per head.

Over and above this, it was apparent to all that proper helicopter service between Imphal and Moreh would prove to be a boon as the region was rapidly becoming an important focal point in the economic relation with other South East Asian countries.

However, without any prior information, Pawan Hans helicopter service ceased completely from the 2nd week of February this year.

This crushed the hopes of many even though constant problems like flight cancellation had been faced by the people after buying tickets in the past.

The tickets for the helicopter service used to be bought from Manipur Heli Service Counter which is open at Imphal airport but now it has been more than two months since the service completely stopped.

On the other hand, according to a reliable source, the helicopter service was halted because of the expiration of the six months agreement between Pawan Hans and the State Government.

The source continued that a tender process for starting helicopter service was carried out and Global Vectra Helicorp Ltd has been selected for the service.

However, the enforcement of the election Model Code of Conduct has made it impossible for the Government to supply the letter of intent to the company.

A letter for approval, in the interest of the people, was sent to the Election Commission of India but a reply regarding the same is yet to be received from the Commission, the source added.

The source continued that plans are underway to provide the letter of intent to the company as soon as the MCC period is over even if the ECI fails to approve it in time.

As soon as the letter of intent is sent, helicopter service will resume within two months, the source explained.

As per the terms and conditions of the agreement between the Transport Department and the company, the service will continue till March 31 of 2020 .

Global Vectra Helicorp Ltd also has presence in Nagaland and Aranachal Pradesh, the source informed further adding that even though the State Government has often repeatedly made assurance about flying doctors, air ambulance services etc, none have been commissioned till date.

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