Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh inaugurated helicopter passenger services in the state under the Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
During a virtual ceremony held at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Singh also unveiled two temporary garages for fire stations in Nambol and Loitang Khunou.
Addressing the gathering, CM Biren Singh hailed the launch as a significant milestone in enhancing connectivity through helicopter services. He praised the implementation of the Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN, which has facilitated the introduction of Pawan Hans Helicopter Services in the state.
Singh expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia for their support and understanding of the needs, particularly in the hill regions.
Highlighting the benefits of the helicopter services, the Chief Minister emphasized its crucial role in aiding both the public and government operations, especially in reaching remote areas efficiently.
He informed that the Ministry of Civil Aviation has allocated approximately Rs 52.13 crores in 2021 for developing heliports in Jiribam, Moreh, Parbung, Tamenglong, and Thanlon, with construction currently underway and nearing completion.
Singh also commended the efforts of the Transport Minister and officials for their contributions to the initiative.
The fare structure for helicopter services includes Rs 3590 for Imphal-Tamenglong, Rs 3590 for Jiribam-Tamenglong, and Rs 3045 for Imphal-Jiribam routes.
Under the RCS-UDAN Scheme, five routes in Manipur were approved by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, namely Jiribam, Moreh, Parbung, Tamenglong, and Thanlon. While services for Jiribam and Tamenglong have been launched, plans are underway to extend services to the remaining routes soon.
Additionally, the Chief Minister announced the state government’s intention to establish fire sub-stations in every sub-divisional headquarters.
The flag-off ceremony for the helicopter services to Jiribam and Tamenglong was conducted at Imphal airport by officials from the state transport department, Pawan Hans Helicopter Service, and other stakeholders.
According to Imphal International Airport Director Chipemmi Keishing, Pawan Hans will operate RCS-UDAN routes, while Global Vectra will operate routes approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). RCS-UDAN routes include Jiribam, Tamenglong, Moreh, Thanlon, and Parbung, while Global Vectra will operate services to Ukhrul, Churachandpur, Senapati, Dimapur, and Aizawl.
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In 2018, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh inaugurated the first helicopter service in Manipur between Imphal and Jiribam at Harinagar Helipad. However, the service was discontinued by the Noida-based company in 2019. Subsequently, Global Vectra Helicorp Limited began operating helicopter services in Manipur under the state Transport department later that year.
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