Pawan Hans spreads wings, to launch service on 7 routes
Vijay C Roy
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, January 29
Pawan Hans will connect seven new routes in Himachal Pradesh through helicopters under the regional air-connectivity scheme — UDAN-2 (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik).
The move will not only boost tourism in the hinterlands, but also provide business opportunities for the underserved helipads.
The six underserved or unserved helipads where Pawan Hans will commence operations are Kasauli, Manali, Mandi, Nathpa Jhakri, Rampur and Shimla. The routes have been awarded by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Pawan Hans will operate flights three to six days a week in the new routes. The fare has been capped between Rs 2,480 and Rs 2,880.
The new routes where it will start services are Kasauli-Shimla-Kasauli, nanali-Kullu, Mandi-Dharamsala, Mandi-Kullu, andi-Shimla-Mandi, Nathpa Jhakri-Rampur-Nathpa Jhakri and Rampur-Shimla-Rampur.
According to insiders, the services will enhance availability and affordability of regional air connectivity. It will also help in revival and upgrade of airport infrastructure. “The services will enhance tourism and employment opportunities in the hinterland, “said a senior official.
Entrepreneurs also mentioned that the move would assist in ease of doing business. This would also boost air cargo operations in the country. The UDAN scheme offers 50 per cent subsidy to airlines on these routes, route monopoly for three years and a host of other concessions at landing airports.
It expects the airlines to cap fares at Rs 2,500 a seat an hour on regional flights.
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