Aizawl, Aug 14 NNN: After the success of several trials, the much-awaited Mizoram helicopter service was officially launched today by state chief minister Lal Thanhawla at the short and impressive inauguration programme held at Thuampui helipad here.
In his inaugural speech, chief minister Lal Thanhawla spoke of the necessity of the chopper service for a place like Mizoram which still lacks in proper infrastructure, transport and communication system as the state being situated in remote hilly areas. The helicopter service will not only help the VIPs, but will very much help the common people especially in time of emergency, he stated. “It is indeed a joyous moment for all of us here that helicopter service has been launched in Mizoram,” the beaming Mizo chief minister said.
The permission to use the helipads under military administration in the 1990s given to Mizoram government by the then GOC-in-C, Eastern Command is still in effect, the chief minister disclosed.
While wishing for the successful operation of the chopper service, Lal Thanhawla said that safety of the passengers as well as the flight is what is most concerned for.
Pawan Hans managing director Mr.M.P Singh affirms that the best possible service will be rendered for the people of Mizoram, adding that the same service is rendered in Meghalaya, Sikkim, Tripura, Nicobar and Lakshadweep.
As mentioned earlier, the helicopter will be in service to nine different places of Mizoram from its main centre Aizawl. Wet leasing of the helicopter for one year is Rs. 1308 lakhs, of which 25% (Rs.327 lakhs) will be given by Mizoram government, and the rest 75% (Rs.981 lakhs) is to be given by the Ministry of Home Affairs, government of India.
The helicopter service, although it has the capacity of 11 passengers, will be allowed to carry only 6 passengers at a time, since Mizoram is located at a very high altitude from the sea level.
Meanwhile, the chopper service inauguration programme today was presided over by state chief secretary Van Hela Pachuau. Ministers, the state assembly speaker, deputy speaker, MLAs, and other officials attended the launching programme.
After the inauguration programme, the inaugural flight was flagged off with chief minister Lal Thanhawla and his wife, state home minister R.Lalzirliana and his wife, Vice Chairman, HPC Lunglei Joseph Lalhimpuia and MP Singh, MD, Pawan Hans on board. The chopper landed at Lunglei and then flew back to Thuampui helipad.
As has been reported earlier, passenger service will formally start from August 16.
The helicopter service will function under the supervision of Pawan Hans Helicopter Ltd.; and the helicopter which will be in service is ‘Dauphin Helicopter’.
One ticket will cost Rs.50 per minute. As of now, 9 routes have been arranged for the service, with Aizawl Thuampui Helipad being the “Main Operational Hub’, from where it will render service to Saiha (50 minutes), Lawngtlai (50), Champhai (25), Khawzawl (20), Lunglei (30), Kamlanagar (45), Hnahthial (30), Serchhip (17) and Kolasib (15).
As per schedule, the chopper will render service for 6 days in a week. Ticket will be available at the deputy commissioner offices in the eight districts of Mizoram.
Since safety is the main concern, security duty and fire service will be provided at each helipad. The concerned deputy commissioners are directed to construct ‘temporary waiting sheds’ for use in time of need.The helicopters can be hired or chartered personally, for which the rate will be Rs.70,000 per hour, waiting charge free up to 45 minutes but if it crosses the limit the waiting charge will be Rs. 10,000 for every 30 minutes.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mizoram-helicopter-service-launched/
