No bids for CM Devendra Fadnavis' copter, state extends date

The state has found no takers for the chief minister's US-made helicopter that met with an accident in May 2017 in Latur. No company has responded to its invitation for bids, resulting in the state government extending the bidding dates till May 6, 2019.

"Technically there were no bidders, but a couple of companies had evinced interest and requested an extension,” said an official. “International companies may be more likely to purchase it rather than domestic ones.”

The six-seater Sikorsky S76C++ was purchased for Rs 54 crore in 2011 to transport the then chief minister Prithviraj Chavan. It was decommissioned after it got entangled in overhead wires two years ago, forcing it to land. All four main rotor blades were sheared off due to impact. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who has had an unfortunate history with helicopters, was on board at the time, along with some senior government officials.

There have been no plans to press the copter back into service after repairs. Having served for 1,265 hours, it was put up for sale on 'as is, where is basis and what is' basis.