Gandhinagar: The government is planning to spend Rs 10.85 crore on state-of-art aviation safety devices to make flying safer for chief minister Narendra Modi and other VVIPs. These devices include anti-collision sensors, emergency aircraft and helicopter locators, latest satellite communication systems to replace the existing analog systems.
The purpose is to avoid a mid-air crisis like the one that led to the demise of former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S R Reddy. Highly placed sources in state civil aviation department said, "A provision has been made in the state budget for upgradation of state-owned aircraft and helicopter used by the CM. The new devices will be installed shortly. The present aircraft used for his travel is almost 14 years old and there is a need to upgrade the communication and safety systems. Director general of civil aviation (DGCA) has also instructed all the states to review the safety of aircraft and helicopters owned by them.''
26/02/13 Kapil Dave/Times of India
