Chopper services to resume in Manipur — officials

Our Correspondent
Imphal, July 7 (EMN): After over a month’s lull following the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, Manipur government has decided to resume chopper services in the state.

The principal secretary (Transport) P Vaiphei, issued an official order on July 6 in this regard.

“In continuation of this office order of even no. dated 2.03.2020, the helicopter services in the state under the Manipur helicopter service operated under the Ministry of Home Affairs subsidy scheme shall be resumed in phased manner with immediate effect in public interest until further orders,” read the statement.

However, the order did not mention a tentative date for the resumption of the helicopter service.

It may be mentioned that Manipur’s Chief Minister N Biren Singh, on August 21, 2019, re-launched the helicopter service of the state at Imphal International Airport.

The helicopter service operated by India’s largest private helicopter company-Global Vectra Helicorp Ltd. under the department of Transport of the Manipur government, aims at facilitating flight services from the airport to Jiribam, Moreh and Tamenglong in Manipur.

The spectrum of operations of the company encompass support to India’s offshore oil and gas industry, onshore operations for state governments (VVIP flying), election flying, heli pilgrimage etc.

Earlier, the service was provided by Noida based Pawan Hans Limited but the company later discontinued the service in the state. The first helicopter service of the state between Imphal and Jiribam at Harinagar Helipad in Jiribam district was launched on September 18, 2018. The purpose of the service was to transport passengers and patients from remote areas of the volatile border state.