ADB to fund 60 helipads in Uttarakhand

Tribune News Service

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Dehradun, January 17

The Department of Civil Aviation has received approval for the construction of 60 helipads in the state with generous financial assistance from Asian Development Bank (ADB). In the aftermath of the mid-June Kedarnath disaster in 2013, lack of air strips was acutely felt while carrying out the rescue operation. The Uttarakhand Government had sought assistance from the Central Government for increasing air connectivity in the state, which seems to have materialised now.

“Asian Development Bank has already allocated Rs 140 crore for the construction of helipads which it had committed during the rescue operation. We will be able to use the helipads for various purposes, including tourism and other emergency activities,” said Rakesh Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary, Civil Aviation.

In a major boost to tourism, the government will launch the Himalaya Darshan service to facilitate close viewing of the Himalayas while flying in helicopters from January 26.

The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority will soon enter into an agreement with private companies for the service. Initially, the service will be started from Haldwani and Sahastradhara helipads.