The Punjab government has decided to start helicopter services from industrial hubs like Ludhiana and Jalandhar. The move will augment mobility of industrialists in the state.
The Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Vectra Helicorp Ltd in this regard. The company is exploring opportunities in other cities to provide helicopter services and proposes to establish a flying school in Anandpursahib.
The state government is considering similar tie-ups, said principal secretary of industries and commerce department, SS Channy. The state government is also dwelling on improving the air connectivity of Bathinda, which now boasts of the Rs 18,919-crore oil refinery project of Lakshmi N Mittal in partnership with Hindustan Petroleum Corp.
The Centre has recently approved the setting up of a flying institute at Faridkot and Behman Jassa Singh near Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda. The department of civil aviation plans to build a runway strip of 7,000 feet at Behman Jassa Singh to cater to the needs of the oil refinery and an upcoming petro-chemical hub in the area. The Centre has also approved the starting of two civil commercial flights from Indian Air force station, Bhisiana, near Bathinda. For this purpose, 39 acre is being acquired.
The state government has given 222 kanals land to the Airport Authority of India for free to construct a civil enclave at the airport at Pathankot. A private airline has also started domestic flights from here.
The Rajasansi international airport in Amritsar is being upgraded, for which the state government has given 162 acre without any cost.
The state has initiated the process of upgrading the airport with the construction of a parallel taxi track and the relocation of an operational readiness platform. Around 10 international flights to various destinations and 16 flights per week to Delhi by three domestic airlines operate from the airport.
Meanwhile, the ambitious project of Chandigarh international airport has gathered pace, with the formation of a joint venture company with three partners?the Airports Authority of India, Greater Mohali Area Development Authority and Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA). Punjab industry and commerce minister Manoranjan Kalia has said domestic flights will be started shortly from the civil airport at Sahnewal near Ludhiana.