Helicabs soon for Delhiites

For Delhiites who crib that the ‘getting away’ part of weekend getaways stretches longer than the weekend, here's some good news. Soon, the touristy escapes — Jaipur, Mathura, Vrindavan — will be just a chopper ride away. Sidhartha Roy & Faizan Haider report.

For Delhiites who crib that the ‘getting away’ part of weekend getaways stretches longer than the weekend, here's some good news. Soon, the touristy escapes — Jaipur, Mathura, Vrindavan — will be just a chopper ride away.

HT Image

State-owned Pawan Hans Helicopter Ltd (PHHL) plans to connect the Capital with neighbouring cities through helicopter cab services from the helipad near the Akshardham temple in east Delhi built during the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

The fare structure is yet to be decided, but expected to be competitive.

Pawan Hans recently held a meeting with security agencies and the Delhi air-traffic control, and a security review is on to get clearances.

“We plan to connect destinations one by one. First on the list are Mathura and Vrindavan, as a lot of people visit these places,” said Pawan Hans CMD Anil Srivastava. “Jaipur could be the next destination,” he said.

Mumbai has at least two private operators flying weekly to pilgrim spots such as Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur close to Nashik. A six-seater helicopter ride costs Rs 90,000 per hour. A Mumbai-Pune round trip in a four-seater costs around Rs. 1,50,000. The city also offers aerial joyrides along the coastline for Rs. 15,000 per person.