Our Correspondent
Imphal, Sep. 19 (EMN): In a move to improve connectivity in the land locked north eastern state of Manipur, the first ever helicopter service was formally launched here on Wednesday.
The purpose of this service is to transport passengers and patients from remote areas of the volatile border state. Earlier, the service was scheduled to be launched in May.
State Chief Minister N Biren Singh led council of ministers flew to Jiribam to launch the service at the newly constructed helipad at Dibong under Jiribam district headquarters, 222km west of Imphal bordering Cachar district of Assam.
“This is a great moment for the state of Manipur,” says Biren soon after launching the service. “It will definitely help the people to travel conveniently. The government is also planning to introduce helicopter service from Imphal to Moreh, Churachandpur etc.”
Biren led visiting ministerial team also inaugurated a women market shed apart from laying foundation stone for the construction of government officials transit quarters at Jiribam during the day’s visit.
Later addressing a public meeting, Biren said that Jiribam has now become a prime area due to the presence of the state’s lone railhead. As such, the state government would consider formulating a comprehensive plan for development of Jiribam in consultation with experts.
Stating that people need not panic about identification verification drives at Jiribam, he said that there is no ban on entry of any person, who possesses valid documents to Manipur. Identification checking is done in all the states and Manipur is no exception, he added.
Stating that the new government never differentiates people as minority or majority and rich or poor, he added Jiribam is a new district, the state government would provide the same benefits received by other districts. Noida based Pawan Hans Ltd which deployed helicopters in six NE states for passenger services, medical evacuation and VIP transportation, is providing the Helicopter services with an eight-seater chopper in Manipur even though the actual sitting capacity is eleven with two crew.
The helicopter service between Imphal-Jiribam-Imphal by Manipur Heli Service (MHA) in the state will operate daily except Sunday and public holidays. The flying time of the service will be around 30 minutes. Passenger service vehicles take nearly 10 hours to reach Imphal from Jiribam.
The tickets (INR 3000 per flight per person) can be purchased from the MHA at Imphal International Airport,Imphal and Dibong Bazar at Jiribam town, says Commissioner (Transport) M Lakshmikumar Singh in a press release.
