Passengers yearn for proper facilities at helipads
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 26 2019: The 220 km long distance between Imphal and Jiribam has definitely decreased to only 23 minutes with the introduction of helicopter services recently by the State Government.

However, the passengers travelling from Jiribam district are facing inconveniences following the absence of proper waiting shed, during the hot summer days, at Harinagar helipad in Jiribam district.

Simon Paomai of Senapati district, a Government employee who is presently posted at Silchar, conveyed this while talking to The Sangai Express.

Passengers yearn for proper facilities at helipads

Notably, Chief Minister N Biren and his cabinet of Ministers launched the helicopter service on September 19 last year at Harinagar, Jiribam.

Although the service halted for some days, a new helicopter was introduced for the service on August 21 this year.

Simon continued that when he went to book a ticket for his trip to Imphal from Jiribam, he wasted some time searching the helipad while appealing that the recently launched service would become more successful if the State Government puts up directions towards the helipad.

On the other hand, passengers who reached early have to wait for departure, in the scorching heat, as there are no proper waiting shed near the helipad, he added.

He maintained that there is a small room for officials of the Harinagar helipad where weighing of baggage is carried out but the room gets crowded with passengers.

Simon appealed to the State Government to build a waiting shed for the passengers and provide necessary equipments including fans which will relieve the passengers from the rapidly rising temperature.

He expressed that most of the passengers skipped their meal for the early morning trip and availability of eatables will definitely help them in filling their quench for thirst and hunger.

These additional services will improve the overall performance, Simon remarked.

Meanwhile, the helipad service centre in Imphal International Airport has only one room for ticketing and the authorities conduct the body check and weightage for body and baggage right outside and in front of everyone, which the passengers find it odd and uncomfortable.

It would be rather effective if the body and baggage weight are carried out inside a separate room and an online portal is maintained for ticketing of the heli service, he appealed.

In a different scenario, locals of Harinagar approached the Forest and Environment Minister while he was waiting for departure to Imphal on August 24, highlighted the poor condition of Harinagar road leading to the helipad.

As a result, the locals, especially the students are facing numerous mishaps.

Decrying the negligence of the State Government towards the people, the locals of Harinagar conveyed that Jiribam district is one of the backward districts as compared to rest of the districts of Manipur and connectivity is also one of the weakest aspects.

The local people further urged Shyamkumar to put more attention to the district and take up projects for the overall development of the district.