Delhi, Mumbai, Guwahati and Bangalore to have heli hubs

Gen (Rtd) VK Singh, Minister of State for Civil Aviation has said that the government intends to develop four heli-hubs in the country as part of the new national Helicopter policy. While the Rohini Heliport of Pawan Hans and AAI owned heliport at Juhu Mumbai had already agreed to work as heli hubs, the Minister said that Bangalore and Guwahati airport operators are being encouraged to develop heli-hubs in their respective airports. The Minister gave this information in a written reply in the Lok Sabha related to heliport policy. He said that the vision of the policy is to encourage and promote helicopter operations and connectivity across the country. The Policy covers various aspects like ground handling charges, parking deposit, landing charges, service charges, credit facility with ATC and training for Air Traffic Control with a view to making helicopter operations viable. The Helicopter policy also encourages the Airport Operators/State Governments/UTs to develop heliports. The state Governments/ UTs are required to set up an Institutional mechanism to facilitate Helicopter operations by obtaining permissions, approvals, clearances, etc., he said. Ministry of Civil Aviation has also requested the state governments and UTs to consider setting up helipads in each district for promoting helicopter operations.