Gangtok,August 14: State Tourism Department has decided to construct five more helipads – one each at Rangpo, Mangan, Hiley, Uttarey and Chemchey. “Tourism in the sate is on the rise. With that in view and also for emergency services, the department wants to introduce chopper services”, Mr. S.B.S. Bhaduariya, secretary of the department said.
In the last months, June and July, when Gorkha Janamukti Morcha called Dareeling bandh, the Pawan Hans helicopter had provided alternative transportation to the state.
“In the month of June and July, the chopper flew average 50 hours each month and some times flew six times in a day from Gangtok to Bagdogra. So, we realized this chopper service will come in handy for us in emergency and tourism allied business”, Mr. Bhaduariya said.At present Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation has five seater Pawan Hans helicopter service and the flight charge from Gangtok to Bagdogra is Rs.2000. The secretary said the department has brought 11 seater Pawan Hans helicopter for the state on trial basis. The trial would be for a week. “If the trail succeeded, we will buy the chopper,” Mr. Bhaduariya said.
