Poll

 क्या उत्तराखंड के पहाडी क्षेत्रो मे हवाई सेवा शुरू की जा सकती है ?

हौं / Yes
29 (100%)
नही / No
0 (0%)
कह नही सकता ? / Cant'say
0 (0%)

Total Members Voted: 29

Voting closed: March 04, 2012, 12:51:01 PM

Author Topic: Aviation Service - क्या उत्तराखंड के पहाडी क्षेत्रो मे हवाई सेवा शुरू होनी चाहिए  (Read 38746 times)

एम.एस. मेहता /M S Mehta 9910532720

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Mr Mehra and other,
 
What a great news on opening a new chapter in Uttarakhand tourism. I ahve always argued for tourism single handedly has the potential to transform the State and lead its way into a developed economy. With rugged terrain and steep slopes, road transport is time consuming as well as difficult to manage. Even after the inception of the highly ambitious national highway project, people face several hours of traffic hold up due to land slides and road work. A network of air strips, hotels, lodges and harnessing the natural beauty and marketing it for pleasure, education and religion are key for instlling a tourism driven sustainable future for the State.
 
I hope that these airp strips and airports operate according to the timetable and hope to take a flight to Jolly Grant from Delhi and a helecopter flight from Jolly Grant to Gauchar when I visit India next time.
 
Looking forward to a happy and sustainable Uttarakhand,
 
Mohan

एम.एस. मेहता /M S Mehta 9910532720

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मानसरोवर यात्रा में शुरू होगी हैलीकाप्टर सेवाJan 23, 02:43 am

रामनगर(नैनीताल)। कुमाऊं मंडल विकास निगम (केएमवीएन) के अध्यक्ष वेदप्रकाश गुप्ता ने कहा है कि मानसरोवर यात्रा में हैलीकाप्टर सेवा शुरू करने को लेकर विचार चल रहा है। सब कुछ ठीकठाक रहा तो अगली यात्रा में यह सेवा शुरू कर दी जायेगी।

निगम का अध्यक्ष पद संभालने के बाद यहां पहुंचे श्री गुप्ता मंगलवार को पत्रकारों से वार्ता कर रहे थे। उन्होंने कहा कि मानसरोवर यात्रा में हर वर्ष हजारों श्रद्धालु जाते है। इनमें कुछ ऐसे भी होते है जिन्हे पैदल चलने में दिक्कतों का सामना करना पड़ता है। उन्होंने बताया कि वह ऐसे लोगों के लिये पिथौरागढ़ से लिपुलेख तक हैलीकाप्टर सेवा उपलब्ध कराने पर विचार कर रहे है। अगर सब कुछ योजना के मुताबिक हुआ तो अगले यात्रा सीजन से हैलीकाप्टर सेवा शुरू कर दी जायेगी।

श्री गुप्ता ने कहा कि गैस की होम डिलीवरी कराई जाएगी। होम डिलीवरी ठेकेदारों द्वारा की जाने वाली हेराफेरी को रोकने के लिये निश्चित दरे तय की जायेंगी। कम दरों पर ठेका होने के कारण ही हेराफेरी की संभावनायें बढ़ जाती है। उन्होंने दावा किया कि दो माह के भीतर व्यवस्थाओं में सुधार हो जायेगा। श्री गुप्ता ने कहा कि निजी कंपनियों से मुकाबले के लिये रेस्ट हाउसों में सुविधायें बढ़ाई जायेंगी। उन्होंने बताया कि पर्यटन को बढ़ावा देने के लिये निगम लोगों को अपने साथ जोड़ कर एक योजना शुरू करने जा रहा है। इसके तहत ग्रामीण को अपनी जमीन पर बिजली एवं पानी का कनेक्शन लेना होगा। टेट व अन्य सुविधायें निगम उपलब्ध करायेगा। इसके बाद उसमें ग्रामीण की हिस्सेदारी तय की जायेगी।

एम.एस. मेहता /M S Mehta 9910532720

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MoCA and MoT should be under one umbrella
KM Seth, President, Foundation for Aviation and Sustainable Tourism (FAST), India and former Governor Chattisgarh and Tripura, discusses with Arti Saggi the plans of FAST for 2008-09 and the concept of placing aviation and tourism ministries under a common umbrella
Monday, January 28, 2008 (10:00 IST)
 
 
 
 Q. What are the plans of FAST for 2008-09?
A. This year we will be focusing on ecological degradation caused by waste at airports and how to manage it without damaging the environment. FAST in a written communication with the government has pointed out that more stress should be laid on waste management at the airports in the country. Last year, our focus was on infrastructure development and two major studies were carried out. Apart from this we have decided in principle to hold an international conference at Delhi in October 2008 for the co-operation and co-ordination between ASEAN. Next year we will organise a one day tourism workshop.

Q. Could you please elaborate the highlights of your study on North East Region?
A. Our study is based on the infrastructure in the North East, the airports which are not in use and which should be activated, so that they can build connectivity between different states and within the North East region. This study is being gradually implemented. We have also done a study on pilot training institute and a training institute will be opened shortly in Lilawadi, Assam

Q. FAST till date has focused mainly on aviation. What are its plans to promote tourism in the country?
A. Until now our focus has been on aviation but we will definitely look at tourism industry this year and the next. Chattisgarh has tremendous potential in terms of destinations for domestic and inbound traffic. However, these destinations have remained dormant. According to our study on Chattisgarh, the state lacks in infrastructure and for destinations like Chitrakoot (Bastar district), helicopter tourism can be successful. Our focus is now on Uttarakhand, which us has great potential. We are in dialogue with the government for helicopter tourism in the state.


Q. What are your views on the role of MoCA and MoT in the travel industry?
A. I am firmly convinced that the tourism and aviation sector are intertwined and interdependent on each other for the sustained growth. As such I feel there is a need to consider placing the two ministries i.e. Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Ministry of Tourism (MoT) under one common umbrella for speedy growth.

Q. Finally what are your views on the open sky policy of the government?
A. We have to come out with an aviation policy, which is reportedly under consideration by the Group of Ministers to give a level playing field to the scheduled operators. This policy needs to come out at the earliest. It's already at its final stage.

 

एम.एस. मेहता /M S Mehta 9910532720

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Dosto,

Here is another positive news from Govt of Uttarakhand.

_________________________________________________________________

Uttarakhand plans its own airline
 
Shishir Prashant / New Delhi/ Dehra Dun January 29, 2008
 
 
To overcome the long and arduous distances in the hills and boost connectivity, the Uttarakhand government has chalked out a plan to start its own airline. 
 
For this purpose, the government has roped in the Uttarakhand Infrastructure Project Company (UIPC) Pvt Ltd which would buy at least two planes for the proposed airline. 
 
A total of Rs 34 crore is being estimated for running the airline with the government already sanctioning an outlay of Rs 14 crore. The rest of the amount would be contributed by Infrastructure Leasing and Finance Services (IL&FS), a joint partner with the government in the UIPC. “We are ready to invest Rs 14 crore in this project,” confirmed Civil Aviation Secretary PC Sharma. 
 
For the time being, the government is mulling two options — capital model and revenue model. Either the UIPC buys the planes and hypothecates them in the name of the government, or the government would compensate the initial losses suffered by the company for running the airline. 
 
There is the third option — the government may rope in the Nepal-based Buddha Airlines. This airline would be asked to operate the two planes in Uttarakhand. “Our plan is to buy two small planes for the mountain airline,” said Sharma. 
 
Initially, the government is thinking of operating the services between Dehra Dun and Pant Nagar. Later, the service can be extended to areas like Pithoragarh, Chamoli and Uttarkashi where three airstrips already exist. The government is currently upgrading the Naini Saini airstrip in Pithoragarh. 
 
Plans are afoot to upgrade Chinyalisaud airstrip in Uttarkashi and Gauchar in Chamoli district. “Once all these airstrips are upgraded, the airline will start full-fledged operations,” said Sharma. 
 
Significantly, experts believe the mountain airline will play a vital role in view of the new hill industrial policy announced by the government. Under this policy, the government is seeking investments in hotel, tourism, small-scale industries and other sectors in the hills. 
 
But poor connectivity is the bane of development in the hills, experts said. “Once we are able to overcome the long distances through a new airline, we can hope to usher in a new beginning in the hills,” commented a top government official. 

http://www.business-standard.com/general/storypage_general.php?&autono=311911

एम.एस. मेहता /M S Mehta 9910532720

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If this is really started, this will prove to be a bone for Uttarakhand people.

Let us hope this is happend.




Dosto,

Here is another positive news from Govt of Uttarakhand.

_________________________________________________________________

Uttarakhand plans its own airline
 
Shishir Prashant / New Delhi/ Dehra Dun January 29, 2008
 
 
To overcome the long and arduous distances in the hills and boost connectivity, the Uttarakhand government has chalked out a plan to start its own airline. 
 
For this purpose, the government has roped in the Uttarakhand Infrastructure Project Company (UIPC) Pvt Ltd which would buy at least two planes for the proposed airline. 
 
A total of Rs 34 crore is being estimated for running the airline with the government already sanctioning an outlay of Rs 14 crore. The rest of the amount would be contributed by Infrastructure Leasing and Finance Services (IL&FS), a joint partner with the government in the UIPC. “We are ready to invest Rs 14 crore in this project,” confirmed Civil Aviation Secretary PC Sharma. 
 
For the time being, the government is mulling two options — capital model and revenue model. Either the UIPC buys the planes and hypothecates them in the name of the government, or the government would compensate the initial losses suffered by the company for running the airline. 
 
There is the third option — the government may rope in the Nepal-based Buddha Airlines. This airline would be asked to operate the two planes in Uttarakhand. “Our plan is to buy two small planes for the mountain airline,” said Sharma. 
 
Initially, the government is thinking of operating the services between Dehra Dun and Pant Nagar. Later, the service can be extended to areas like Pithoragarh, Chamoli and Uttarkashi where three airstrips already exist. The government is currently upgrading the Naini Saini airstrip in Pithoragarh. 
 
Plans are afoot to upgrade Chinyalisaud airstrip in Uttarkashi and Gauchar in Chamoli district. “Once all these airstrips are upgraded, the airline will start full-fledged operations,” said Sharma. 
 
Significantly, experts believe the mountain airline will play a vital role in view of the new hill industrial policy announced by the government. Under this policy, the government is seeking investments in hotel, tourism, small-scale industries and other sectors in the hills. 
 
But poor connectivity is the bane of development in the hills, experts said. “Once we are able to overcome the long distances through a new airline, we can hope to usher in a new beginning in the hills,” commented a top government official. 

http://www.business-standard.com/general/storypage_general.php?&autono=311911

एम.एस. मेहता /M S Mehta 9910532720

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ReJolly Grant airport nears completion ? Aviation Service
« Reply #35 on: January 30, 2008, 10:50:15 AM »
Jolly Grant airport nears completion
 
Shishir Prashant / New Delhi/ Dehra Dun January 30, 2008
 
 
 
When a chartered Boeing 737 carrying foreign tourists landed during the weekend at Jolly Grant airport here, the cheer among the airport officials was palpable. 
 
It was for the first time that a Boeing plane touched down on the airstrip, which was recently widened to facilitate the landing of bigger aircraft including Airbus-320. As soon as the Boeing landed, airport officials declared the airstrip fit for operation. 
 
Welcome to the newly upgraded Jolly Grant airport here, which is now getting the final makeover for the inauguration in a month’s time. 
 
“Jolly Grant airport will be inaugurated in one month’s time,” said a top official of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) here. The Centre has spent Rs 75 crore for upgrading the airport where only small planes used to land hitherto. 
 
The Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun is being upgraded by AAI for operation of B-737/A-320 class of aircraft considering the traffic potential and requirement projected by airlines. 
 
For this purpose, the government acquired land of all those people, who were rehabilitated in Athoorwala and Jolly Grant areas from Tehri. Night landing facility would also be provided at Jolly Grant airport, the officials said. 
 
The newly constructed airstrip at Jolly Grant is now 7000 metres long and 150 metres wide. 
 
Besides Jolly Grant, Pantnagar airport in Kumaon region is also being upgraded for Boeing and airbus operations at the cost of Rs 75 crores. 
 
Deccan Airways, which used to ply a 45-seater service to both Pant Nagar and Dehra Dun from New Delhi before the upgradation work began last year, is contemplating a move to link Dehra Dun with Pant Nagar, an industrial hub in Kumaon region. 
 
Further, Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd also plans to connect important tourist places in Uttarakhand such as Ghangharia, Hemkund Sahib, subject to necessary permissions from the Union Forest and Environment Ministry. 
 
The state government is also interested in upgrading airstrips developed at Pithoragarh, Uttarkashi and Chamoli. All these airstrips were not suitable for operation of 20/50 seater class of aircraft due to their location and surrounding terrain. 
 
But for operation of ATR 42, the upgradation work at Nainisaini airstrip is being planned and an amount of Rs 22 crore has already been released for the purpose. 
 
In addition to this, the government is also planning to construct at least one helipad in all the 13 districts headquarters of the state

http://www.business-standard.com/common/news_article.php?leftnm=lmnu2&subLeft=1&autono=312016&tab=r

हलिया

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ये खबर तो अच्छी लग रही है लेकिन हम तो तभी मानने वाले ठैरे जब काम पूरा हो जाय।  अब पिथौरागढ से दिल्ली आधे घंटे में पूरा हो जाय तो अच्छा ही ठैरा। ऐसे ही उत्तराखण्ड के हर जिले से देश की राजधानी हवाई यात्रा से जुड जाय तो मजा ही है।  भई अपने लोगों को तो सुबिधा होगी ही सोचो कितने टूरिस्ट पहुंचैंगे दूर-दराज घूमने और पहाड की सुन्दरता का आनन्द लेने। और रोजगार तो फ़िर बढ्ने ही वाला ठैरा।


Jolly Grant airport nears completion
 
Shishir Prashant / New Delhi/ Dehra Dun January 30, 2008
     
The state government is also interested in upgrading airstrips developed at Pithoragarh, Uttarkashi and Chamoli. All these airstrips were not suitable for operation of 20/50 seater class of aircraft due to their location and surrounding terrain. 
 
But for operation of ATR 42, the upgradation work at Nainisaini airstrip is being planned and an amount of Rs 22 crore has already been released for the purpose. 
 
In addition to this, the government is also planning to construct at least one helipad in all the 13 districts headquarters of the state

http://www.business-standard.com/common/news_article.php?leftnm=lmnu2&subLeft=1&autono=312016&tab=r


एम.एस. मेहता /M S Mehta 9910532720

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Uttarakhand plans its own airline
« Reply #37 on: January 31, 2008, 10:43:25 AM »
Uttarakhand plans its own airline
 
Shishir Prashant / New Delhi/ Dehra Dun January 29, 2008
 
 
 
To overcome the long and arduous distances in the hills and boost connectivity, the Uttarakhand government has chalked out a plan to start its own airline. 
 
For this purpose, the government has roped in the Uttarakhand Infrastructure Project Company (UIPC) Pvt Ltd which would buy at least two planes for the proposed airline. 
 
A total of Rs 34 crore is being estimated for running the airline with the government already sanctioning an outlay of Rs 14 crore. The rest of the amount would be contributed by Infrastructure Leasing and Finance Services (IL&FS), a joint partner with the government in the UIPC. “We are ready to invest Rs 14 crore in this project,” confirmed Civil Aviation Secretary PC Sharma. 
 
For the time being, the government is mulling two options — capital model and revenue model. Either the UIPC buys the planes and hypothecates them in the name of the government, or the government would compensate the initial losses suffered by the company for running the airline. 
 
There is the third option — the government may rope in the Nepal-based Buddha Airlines. This airline would be asked to operate the two planes in Uttarakhand. “Our plan is to buy two small planes for the mountain airline,” said Sharma. 
 
Initially, the government is thinking of operating the services between Dehra Dun and Pant Nagar. Later, the service can be extended to areas like Pithoragarh, Chamoli and Uttarkashi where three airstrips already exist. The government is currently upgrading the Naini Saini airstrip in Pithoragarh. 
 
Plans are afoot to upgrade Chinyalisaud airstrip in Uttarkashi and Gauchar in Chamoli district. “Once all these airstrips are upgraded, the airline will start full-fledged operations,” said Sharma. 
 
Significantly, experts believe the mountain airline will play a vital role in view of the new hill industrial policy announced by the government. Under this policy, the government is seeking investments in hotel, tourism, small-scale industries and other sectors in the hills. 
 
But poor connectivity is the bane of development in the hills, experts said. “Once we are able to overcome the long distances through a new airline, we can hope to usher in a new beginning in the hills,” commented a top government official. 

एम.एस. मेहता /M S Mehta 9910532720

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Ready to take off - HELICOPTER SERVICES
« Reply #38 on: February 15, 2008, 12:17:52 PM »
Ready to take off


Scheduled operations in the country have seen a significant rise in traffic leading to air congestion beyond one's imagination. In such cases, helicopter transportation seems ideal; not only because of its restricted seating capacity, but also its accessibility to places. By Chetan Kapoor

It is said that in the mid-1500s, the legendary Italian Leonardo da Vinci first sketched what is today known as a helicopter. However, it was not until the late 1930s when Igor Sikorsky translated this sketch into the first practical rotary-wing aircraft. Going by the statistics, there were a total of approximately 27,000 civil helicopters in the world by the end of 2007, with only 175 in India - a mere 0.6 per cent for over one billion people. Clearly, India is highly under-serviced when it comes to offering helicopter services to its population. However, things may soon change.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has declared the year 2008 as the year of helicopter services; a little compensation for a segment that has so far gone unattended as far as support infrastructure is concerned.

Alternative approach

As mentioned above, helicopters can be a one-stop mode of transportation in this age of technological advances for the corporate, VIPs, evacuations or medical emergencies, primarily because of the minimal infrastructure support it needs - namely, a helipad. Its ability to verically take-off and land without the use of runways speak volumes about the services helicopter operators can provide to the high and mighty, far-flung places in the country and beyond. However, despite all these positives, helicopter services aren't exploited to their fullest potential, perhaps because of the tag of exclusivity that comes along with it. "A single engine five-six seater helicopter costs around Rs 70,000-80,000, while a twin engine costs Rs 80,000-90,000 per hour in addition to the fuel cost - which being unavailable at most places, necessitates sending by road transportation, thus further adding to the cost," informs P K Ratta, CEO, Aviation Division of Raymond that provides helicopter and private jet charter services.

Nonetheless, leading players like the state-run Pawan Hans and private players like United Helicharters, Global Vectra Helicorp and Deccan Aviation, amongst others see potential in this business. With a fleet of 36 helicopters - 17 Dauphin SA365Ns, nine Dauphin AS 365N3s, four Bell 407s, three Bell 206L4s, two Mi-172s and one Robinson R-44 - Pawan Hans is India's leading helicopter service provider, Pawan Hans has played an integral role in linking inaccessible regions. At the international seminar on Helicopter Operations held in July 2007 in New Delhi, R K Tyagi, chairman and managing director, Pawan Hans said, "We have deployed helicopters in different states, particularly in the north eastern regions of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Tripura for the running of regular passenger services. We also operate inter-island passenger services under the aegis of Lakshwadeep and Andaman and Nicobar administration. Helicopters also play a very important role when it comes to oil exploration from offshore." Offshore helicopter services also include personnel and cargo transportation, production tasks, search and rescue operations, etc

In addition, helicopter services are increasingly used by politicians during election rallies, for aerial video shooting and photography, charters, air ambulance and also for passenger services by some operators. According to industry reports, 30 per cent of helicopters in the country are used in offshore operations, 40 per cent for VIP/corporate, 28 per cent for charters and 2 per cent for the purposes of heli-tourism and heli-skiing.

Turbulence ahead

The biggest obstacle dampening the growth of helicopter services is that of infrastructure - at most times helicopters are made to take-off and land on makeshift helipads, or at the airports. A rotorcraft can manoeuvre to and from places inaccessible to a fixed-wing aircraft, and surprisingly both are treated alike by the ATC, leading to further congestion. According to V Krishnan, chief executive, OSS Air, "Infrastructure is grossly inadequate. Congestion at airports do not auger well for the rotary-wing business. The answer is rooftop (elevated) helipads and heliports."

Citing an example from the city of Mumbai, helicopter services are often delayed owing to congestion in the skies. Furthermore, passengers are made to travel to the Juhu airport before boarding the helicopter, thereby questioning the very purpose of using a helicopter to travel. Adds Ratta, "There are very few helipads which are approved (in Mumbai) and most of the people use makeshift helipads. One cannot find a helipad which is used by everybody except for the Mahalaxmi Race Course. The two helipads on top of buildings which have now been approved are restricted only for private use. In fact one still operates from airport to airport, and not helipad to helipad which has defeated the very purpose of having a helicopter inducted to travel to distances otherwise unapproachable, and make things faster."

However, Col Jayanth K Poovaiah, executive director, Deccan Aviation believes, "Helicopter transportation is a new phenomenon in the country as people are just getting used to the concept. Globalisation will lead to the increased use of modern transportation like helicopters, and offices, hotels, as also hospitals will have helipads."

Another disconcerting issue that is plaguing the industry is that of unsystematic growth. New players are entering with a fleet of one, two or three helicopters for private use, giving these away as charters while not in use. Thus, on the one hand while there is growth in the number of helicopters, on the other this affects the market as operators could fix any price they deem fit for services offered by them as seen in the fixed-wing segment, which ultimately led to consolidation and rationalisation. Perhaps, the same is to be seen here.

The path ahead

There is no doubt that corporate and political usage has led to the maximum utilisation of helicopter services. However, there is more to helicopters than just charters and offshore operations. Heli-tourism, heli-skiing and air ambulance facilities are gaining momentum worldwide as well as in India. Operators like King Rotors and Deccan Aviation are already offering Heli-tourism packages - travel to tourist destinations, hill stations, day tours and overnight getaways - in various parts of Kerala, Mysore, Cauvery, Hampi, Belur, and Kabini.

In the metros, helicopters can be used for multiple purposes - offering shuttle services to and from airports to city centres, for which Deccan Aviation is currently in talks with airports. However, in reality these would be successful only when helicopters with more seats are incorporated in the fleet to reduce the price-per-seat. In addition, helicopters can also be used to guide traffic. Suggests Ratta, "With traffic being as chaotic as it is in the cities, helicopters could well fly around the city, providing traffic updates - a practice performed the world over during peak hours. Also, if there is an accident on the highway, these can be used to pick up sick or injured passengers, as is done in America and Europe."

Pawan Hans also has plans to further connect to important tourism places in Uttaranchal such as Ghangharia and Hemkund Sahib, subject to necessary permissions. Important tourist destinations in Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore, Madurai, Kodaikanal and Rameshwaram; in Puducherry - the Chennai-Karaikal-Puducherry sector, will also be started. It also plans to construct a heliport in the NCR to meet the significant and growing demand for helicopter services, both in the government and business sector before the Commonwealth Games. Arun Mishra, joint secretary, ministry of civil aviation mentioned, "In a big country like ours, we just have one heliport. We need to set up infrastructure and promote this rotary wing operation as an independent operation rather than being clubbed with existing airports. This would ensure the growth in the sector as well as the efficient operations of helicopters."

Still, chartered helicopters will see an increase as more players continue to enter this space. Taking a cue from this, Airmid Aviation Services, a subsidiary of Indiabulls, is also venturing into non-scheduled operations with a twin engine helicopter, the EC 135.

With much to offer, a country like India can, and will definitely benefit from extensive use of helicopters. As the industry matures and initiatives taken by the government towards this segment begin to take flight leading to their increased utilisation, helicopters will definitely hover over a higher cloud.



http://www.expresstravelworld.com/200802/aviationworld16.shtml

एम.एस. मेहता /M S Mehta 9910532720

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Pithoragarh airport gets 12 expressions of interest
« Reply #39 on: February 20, 2008, 03:37:01 PM »


Pithoragarh airport gets 12 expressions of interest
 
Shishir Prashant / New Delhi/ Dehra Dun February 20, 2008
 
 
 
With work on Dehra Dun and Pantnagar airports getting over, the focus has now shifted to Naini Saini airport in the hilly Pithoragarh district. 
 
The Uttarakhand government today said it had received 12 expressions of interests (EIs) for its modernisation plans of Pithoragarh airport. 
 
“We have received 12 proposals for the modernisation of Pithoragarh airport,” said Principal Secretary Civil Aviation P C Sharma. 
 
Among the companies who have applied through the EIs include Mumbai-based Atlanta group and some local companies from Uttarakhand. 
 
The government recently spent Rs 22 crore to acquire land for the airport, which is being upgraded to facilitate the landing of 48-seater aircraft. 
 
Meanwhile, Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun is also being upgraded by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the operation of B-737/A-320 class of aircraft, considering the traffic potential and requirements projected by the airlines. For this purpose, the government acquired the land of those who were rehabilitated in the Athoorwala and Jollygrant areas from Tehri and spent Rs 75 crore for the modernisation. The night-landing facility is also being provided at Jollygrant airport, according to officials. 
 
The newly constructed airstrip at Jollygrant is now 7,000 metres long and 150 metres wide. Besides Jollygrant, Pantnagar airport in Kumaon is also being upgraded for Boeing and Airbus operations at Rs 75 crore. 
 
Deccan Airways, which used to ply a 45-seater service to both Pantnagar and Dehra Dun from New Delhi before the upgrade began last year, is contemplating a move to link Dehra Dun with Pant Nagar, an industrial hub in the Kumaon region. 
 
Further, Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd also plans to connect important tourist places in Uttarakhand such as Ghangharia and Hemkund Sahib, subject to permission from the Union Forest and Environment Ministry. 
 
Besides Pithoragarh, the state government is also interested in upgrading airstrips at Uttarkashi and Chamoli districts. All these airstrips were not suitable for the operation of 20- and 50-seater class of aircraft due to their location and surrounding terrain. 
 
In addition to this, the government is also planning to construct at least one helipad in the headquarters of the 13 districts of the state. 

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