Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh said that the helicopter service introduced in Manipur in September last year to boost air connectivity between the state capital with remote places of the state but discontinued will be resumed shortly.
Sunzu Bachaspatimayum
Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh said that the helicopter service introduced in Manipur in September last year to boost air connectivity between the state capital with remote places of the state but discontinued will be resumed shortly.
The chief minister said the Manipur Heli Service was earlier operated under MHA by Pawan Hans Ltd. The service was discontinued in February this year. The new service will be operated by Global Vectra Helicorp and all formalities including the signing of MoU with service provider has been completed on Tuesday.
Under the new agreement, the BELL 412EP with 8-12 seating capacity/less than 15 years Vintage Helicopter will be positioned at Imphal International Airport by 10th August 2019. The trial landing will be carried out subject to weather conditions in the state.
As per the standing terms and conditions under the protocol of MHA helicopter subsidy scheme, the department of transport, govt. of Manipur floated e-tender to engage a new service provider for wet-lease of one twin-engine light/medium duty passenger helicopter. Finalization of the tender process could not be completed due to the enforcement of the model code of conduct of the recently concluded general elections to 17th Lok Sabha, 2019.
M/S GLOBAL VECTRA HELICORP LIMITED, New Delhi – 11008 has been appointed as the service provider for a period up to 31st March 2020 which may be further extended on the same terms and conditions as approved under MHA letter No. 18/02/2017-NE-ii dated 19/11/2018.
As before the helicopter service will connect the Imphal International Airport with Jiribam, Tamenglong, and Moreh.
Biren said that the service will cater to the critical need for safe, fast and cheap means of transport to people residing in these remote areas.
The chief minister added that it is a part of the ‘ Shap ka Shat Shap ka Vikash’ mission goal of the NDA government which emphasizes on inclusive development.
Biren said that the heli service will be subsequently cover other difficult and remote areas in the State.
