Ten tourist destinations of Jharkhand will soon be equipped with helipads. State government has taken the initiative for proper aerial connectivity and infrastructural facilities for such spots. The helipads will have safety, security and safe operation of helicopters carrying passengers and VVIPs. The Re-tender inviting bidders for the construction of helipads was published by the Civil Aviation department on Monday. The opening of the technical bid and financial was scheduled on March 27 at the office of Additional Chief Secretary Sajal Chakraverty in the State Hangar.
Talking to The Pioneer, Chakraverty said they are yet to identify the ten locations for the helipad construction. “We have chosen Maluti, Betla, Basukinath and Saranda among the ten spots. But, the final list of the spots has not been prepared. Searching land on the basis of longitude and latitude for the set up is an issue as most of the places are dominated by private land,” he added.
The construction is part of the 2014-15 Financial Year plan. Chakraverty said the grounds used by political parties and senior Government officers for landing helicopters in case of campaigning, inspection or a confidential activity are not safe. “Helipads would serve a convenient space for landing in such circumstances in terms of safety,” he maintained.
Meanwhile, Captain SP Sinha of the Civil Aviation department said that the plan is the first phase of promoting aerial tourism. “The proposal for the plan was suggested by people possessing personal choppers. They lack space for landing in popular tourist destinations. We have decided to fix charges for parties willing to use our glider or chopper,” he mentioned. However, he felt construction of helipad is a priority which is to begin in the next few months. Sources maintained there are two gliders and some small-light weighted helicopters at the State Hangar which are likely to be used for the purpose.
The selected bidder will be responsible for building compound wall around the helipad. Also, the lighting system and marking system as per Airport Authority of India standard as well as installation of relevant instruments and equipments as per current Director General of Civil Aviation will be in the bidder’s scope of work.