Mizoram govt to connect tourist spots with chopper

Silchar: The travel industry in scenic Mizoram is set to take wings with “helitourism”.The state government is inducting helicopters in tie-up with public sector Pawan Hans to woo tourists to its picturesque spots strewn over remote hills and woods.
State officials will hold a meeting with officials of the aviation company in New Delhi soon to finalise the deal.
The helicopter company’s main base will be Lengpui airport, 38km from the capital town of Aizawl. At present, there is no air service within the state but all important tourist sites in the state will be connected for convenience of tourists short on time. To reach the tourist sites, some army helipads, which have been lying unutilised, will be made operational while some new ones will be built.
Besides the chopper service, the government has also finalised a detailed project report for the construction of the state’s second airport at Kawmzawl village, 8km from Lunglei, Mizoram’s second biggest town. The airport, to be built at a cost of Rs 19 crore, will handle smaller aircraft and choppers.
At present, only Aizawl is connected by flight from Imphal, Guwahati (thrice a week) and Calcutta (daily).
To begin with, only one chopper will be stationed at Lengpui airport. Its numbers will be increased in phases to connect all the eight districts. The helicopters, which can accommodate nine persons at best, will also airlift other passengers, including government officials on their duties.
25/02/10 The Telegraph

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