CM launches helicopter passenger service
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 13 2024:
Chief minister N Biren Singh on Wednesday launched Helicopter passenger service in the state under the Regional Connectivity Scheme-Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
During the launch programme held at the CM's Secretariat, here, the chief minister also inaugurated two temporary garages of Nambol Fire Sub Station and Loitang Khunou Fire Sub Station respectively.
Speaking at the event, Biren expressed delight over providing another Pawan Hans Helicopter Service for the state under the UDAN scheme and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia for providing helicopter service and understanding the grievances of the people, especially those living in the hills.
Helicopter service has been of great service to not only the people but also in the functioning of the government, he said, while expressing hope that the government can reach interior areas whenever needed now.
The chief minister also recalled that the Minis try of Civil Aviation had sanctioned Rs 52.13 crore in 2021 for infrastructure development of heliports in Jiribam, Moreh, Parbung, Tamenglong and Thanlon, construction of which is nearing completion.
Under the RCS-UDAN Scheme, the Ministry of Civil Aviation approved five routes in Manipur namely Jiribam, Moreh, Parbung, Tamenglong and Thanlon, he said, adding that service for Jiribam and Tamenglong route has been launched and the remaining will follow suit.
The helicopter service fare will be Rs 3590 for the Imphal-Tamenglong route, Rs 3590 for Jiribam-Tamenglong and Rs 3045 for Imphal-Jiribam route.
The chief minister also said that the state government is planning to open Fire Sub Stations in every sub-divisional headquarters.
The function was also attended by ministers Govindas Konthoujam, Dr Sapam Ranjan, H Dingo Singh, Awangbow Newmai, MLAs, chief secretary Dr Vineet Joshi, administrative secretaries among others.
The programme was organised jointly by the department of transport & Manipur Fire Service.
The flag-off ceremony for the helicopter services to Jiribam and Tamenglong was conducted at Imphal airport by officials from the transport department, Pawan Hans Helicopter Service, and other stakeholders.
According to Imphal International Airport director Chipemmi Keishing, Pawan Hans will operate RCS-UDAN routes, while Global Vectra will operate routes approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
RCS-UDAN routes include Jiribam, Tamenglong, Moreh, Thanlon, and Parbung, while Global Vectra will operate services to Ukhrul, Churachandpur, Senapati, Dimapur, and Aizawl.
In 2018, CM Biren inaugurated the first helicopter service in Manipur between Imphal and Jiribam at Harinagar Helipad.
However, the service was discontinued by the Noida-based company in 2019.Subsequently, Global Vectra Helicorp Limited began operating helicopter services in Manipur under the state Transport department later that year.