Helitourism project may take off from Dasara

Monday, July 24, 2017 
Visakhapatnam

The VUDA is readying itself to sign an MoU with the public sector helicopter services company Pawan Hans for a helitourism project from Dasara.

According to sources, Pawan Hans will approach the Director General of Civil Aviation for approval of infrastructure already created at the VUDA Park. It will fly a 10 minute sortie by collecting Rs.2,500 per person. The Pawan Hans reportedly pressed for a fare of Rs.3,500 but the VUDA stuck to the lower fee citing the Hyderabad fare.

VUDA Vice-chairman P.Basant Kumar said that they are ready to enter into an MoU for five years on helitourism depending upon the pilot project works. Once, the city tour is in place, the one for Araku may also kick-off in course of time, he said.

The VUDA had announced plans for helitourism from the Dasara of 2016 after signing an MoU with a private agency but they did not materialize. It has constructed two helipads at the VUDA Park. Citing that no progress had been made, it cancelled the MoU and decided to invite Pawan Hans to operate the services.