100 new helipads proposed for India's northeast

New Delhi: The paramilitary Assam Rifles proposes to construct over 100 helipads in India's northeastern states for quick mobilization of its troopers along the 1,600-km Myanmar border even as it plans to raise 26 battalions to add to the existing 46.
"We have proposed the construction of over 100 helipads to the ministry of home affairs. These helipads would be constructed all over the northeastern states and help in quick mobilisation of troopers, dealing with medical emergencies and supplying rations," the Assam Rifles chief, Lt. General KS Yadava, said.
"We hope this proposal would be cleared by year-end. These helipads would be built along the India-Myanmar border because the terrain is very vast and difficult. It takes days to cover even a few kilometers. It would be to largely support the 26 additional battalions which we will be raising in the next 10 years for deployment along the 1,600- km India-Myanmar border," Yadava added.
He said three to four battalions would be raised every year. Infrastructure like roads will also be developed.
Noting that the helipads would be independent of those operated in the northeast by the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, Yadava discounted suggestions that their construction was linked to countering the perceived threat from China.
13/01/10 IANS/Times of India

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Jan 2010, New Jan 2010