The leading helicopter operator is planning to soon start services to Nariman Point or Colaba from Kalyan, Pune, Nashik or Vashi.
Be ready to fly down to Nariman Point or Colaba from Kalyan, Pune, Nashik or Vashi.
Pawan Hans, the leading helicopter operator in the country, is planning to start services in these sectors. It is waiting for the helipad to come up in Sassoon Dock, Colaba.
Pawan Hans also has plans to connect various religious places in the region. Proposals to introduce copter services from Mumbai to Shirdi, Ajanta and Dwarka, and between Ahmedabad and Dwarka, are in the final stages.
“We have already launched such services in north India—to Kedarnath and Badrinath from Delhi—and they are doing quite well,” said SK Verma, general manager, Pawan Hans.
But non-availability of helipads in the city is proving to be a stumbling block. “We can start these services only if there are helipads. The delay in getting sanctions is very frustrating,” said a senior official. The cost for a 10-minute air-travel between Santacruz and Colaba will be as high as Rs1,500.
“People who value their time will definitely pay this amount. When executives and corporates from other parts of the country and the world land in Mumbai, they often waste their valuable time commuting from the airport to the city. It costs about Rs500 in a taxi and also takes up valuable time,” said Verma.
The expenses, however, will not go through the roof as Pawan Hans has been declared the centre for Eurocopter (the leading helicopter manufacturer in the world) maintenance for south-east Asia.
This will enable the company to manage its fleet and operate them more cost effectively and efficiently.
“The services between Mumbai and its satellite towns were thought of three years ago. Immediately after the intra-city service, the inter-city service will follow. It will now be easier to operate both as the helipad will be ready,” said a senior official.
It’s now up to the city administration to develop the helipad at the earliest. “Already, there has been a lot of delay,” said Verma.
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