Cabinet nod for chopper services in Lakshadweep

The cabinet has approved Pawan Hans helicopter services for inter-island connectivity in the Lakshadweep islands for five years, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said Friday.

The cabinet on Thursday also approved a proposal to meet the cost of chartering helicopters from Pawan Hans company by the central government at a subsidy of Rs1,900.64 lakh per annum, Chidambaram said.

The company has been providing helicopter services in the union territory of the Lakshadweep since 1987.

Helicopter services have become a part of the transport and communication system in the Lakshadweep islands during the last 25 years for inter-island movement, particularly during the monsoon when movement of ships and ferries is severely restricted.