IMPHAL, Mar 29 : Helicop-ter service between Imphal- Moreh, Imphal-Tameng- long and Imphal-Jiribam would be launched by August at the latest.
A source in the Transport Department informed that the department has identified four helipads.
The helipads identified are Tulihal Airport, 11 AR helipad Tamenglong Hqs, Jiribam High School ground and 31 AR helipad at Moreh.
Moreover, estimates of the time likelyto be taken in covering these routes by helicopter have also been worked out.
According to this estimates, helicopterservice on Imphal-Tamenglong route would take 20 minutes, Ta-menglong-Jiribam route would take 15 minutes, Imphal-Jiribam would take 30 minutes and Imphal- Moreh route would take 27 minutes.
A proposal detailing the identified helipads and the estimated period of journey on the four different routes has been sent to the North Eastern Council (NEC).
In response to the Power Department's proposal, an official team of Pawan Hans Pvt Limited would be arriving at Imphal within a week to collect feasibility report.
After collecting a feasibility report, the company would submit the reportto the NEC which would in turn forward it to the DoNER Ministry. Afterthis, the DoNER would seek approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs for 75 per cent subsidy of helicopter fares. Further approval would also sought from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The Home Ministry's approval is necessary as the Ministry would be paying for 75 per cent of the fare which would be subsidised. At present, the department is minutely looking into the possible fare structures of Imphal-Moreh and Imphal-Jiribam direct service as well as Imphal-Jiribam via Tamenglong helicopter service, informed the source. (THE SANGAI EXPRESS)