Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Government is contemplating to add one more helicopter to its air-fleet, which has cost around Rs 12 crore to the State exchequer during the last three years.
Official sources said the Government is contemplating to purchase Agusta-109, a twin-engine helicopter, and a formal proposal in this regard has been formulated by the Civil Aviation Department headed by Chief Minister. “The proposal is at the initial stage and the matter would be soon taken up with the Finance Department for seeking clearance,” sources told Greater Kashmir.
The State has already a fleet of one fixed-wing aircraft (King Air- 350) and two helicopters (Bell 407 and Agusta-109 E). The Agusta-109 Twin Engine Helicopter purchased in 2005 from M/s Agusta Westland had cost Jammu and Kashmir a whopping 44,11,500 US Dollars. This time the cost is expected to be higher.
The helicopter is being presently used for the movement of Governor, Chief Minister, Ministers and senior officers to remote and inaccessible areas.
10/04/13 Firdous Tak/Greater Kashmir
