Mizoram tourism to take wings - Govt to connect tourist spots with choppers in tie-up with Pawan Hans

Travel haven

Silchar, Feb. 25: The travel industry in scenic Mizoram is set to take wings with "helitourism".

The state government is inducting helicopters in tie-up with public sector Pawan Hans to woo tourists to its picturesque spots strewn over remote hills and woods.

State officials will hold a meeting with officials of the aviation company in New Delhi soon to finalise the deal.

The helicopter company's main base will be Lengpui airport, 38km from the capital town of Aizawl. At present, there is no air service within the state but all important tourist sites in the state will be connected for convenience of tourists short on time. To reach the tourist sites, some army helipads, which have been lying unutilised, will be made operational while some new ones will be built.

Besides the chopper service, the government has also finalised a detailed project report for the construction of the state's second airport at Kawmzawl village, 8km from Lunglei, Mizoram's second biggest town. The airport, to be built at a cost of Rs 19 crore, will handle smaller aircraft and choppers.

At present, only Aizawl is connected by flight from Imphal, Guwahati (thrice a week) and Calcutta (daily).

To begin with, only one chopper will be stationed at Lengpui airport. Its numbers will be increased in phases to connect all the eight districts. The helicopters, which can accommodate nine persons at best, will also airlift other passengers, including government officials on their duties.

The principal consultant of the aviation wing of the Mizoram government, Wing Commander (retd) Lalzawma, said over phone from Aizawl last night that chief minister Lalthanhawla had evinced much interest in the proposal to tie up with Pawan Hans.

Taking a cue from the arrangements of other northeastern governments, Mizoram has also asked Pawan Hans for a 75 per cent subsidy in its fare for carrying passengers.

Last-minute arrangements are now under way with the Airport Authority of India for finalising steps to switch on the high-tech Instrumental Landing System which has already been installed at Lengpui airport with a central grant of Rs 30 crore.

Wing Commander (retd) Lalzawma said he would fly to New Delhi next Monday to talk to AAI officials about this long-pending work.

He said the state government had sought a grant of Rs 55 crore for installing crucial facilities at Lengpui airport. The runway length of the airport will also be extended from 8,200 feet to 9,000 feet to enable it to handle the more wide-bodied Boeing and Airbus aircraft.

"With such new gadgets in place at Lengpui airport it will look forward to better days in future," a senior state government official said. (The Telegraph)