Sikkim gets a MI-172 chopper service, huge lift for tourism

KUNAL RAI

GANGTOK,: The 26-seater MI-172 helicopter service for Sikkim under Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) was launched at Burtuk helipad here by Chief Justice Biswanath Somadder and Chief Minister PS Golay.

Also present at the landmark event were Tourism minister BS Panth, chief secretary VB Pathak, STDC chairman Lukendra Rasaily, officials and dignitaries.

Speaking to the media, the STDC chairman informed that the Sikkim trial for MI-172 helicopter was held last year. Within a short span of time, the chopper is here and launched for operation, he said.

It was shared that the MI-172 helicopter has a boarding capacity of 26 passengers but considering the prevailing geographical conditions of Sikkim, only 20 passengers will be accommodated.

“There are several procedures and clearances needed from the concerned ministries for the MI-172 helicopter service here but it has been made successful due to the positive will power of the State government and leadership of Chief Minister PS Golay. It is a revolutionary step in the tourism sector of Sikkim,” said Rasaily.

Rasaily expressed his confidence that the STDC’s revenue will boost with induction of the MI-172 chopper for commercial flights.

The MI-172, besides flying passengers from Gangtok to Bagdogra airport and vice versa, can also be used for emergency and medical purposes, and joy rides. The chopper has twin engines, enabling the VVIPs to take its service and can also be chartered for long routes to Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati.

The one way flight from Burtuk helipad to Bagdogra airport will cost Rs. 4500 per passenger. It was informed that 75% of the operation costs will be borne by the Union government as subsidy while the remaining 25% expenses have to be met by the State government and the Sky One Airways, the agency hired to operate the MI-172 helicopter service in Sikkim.

Tourism PCE-cum-secretary Prakash Chettri added that MI-172 with a larger passenger capacity is the need of the hour for Sikkim as the flight connectivity through Pakyong airport is presently hindered for various reasons. The helicopter has double engines which mean that henceforth, VVIPS and top delegates can also be ferried by air to Sikkim, he said.

“We have fulfilled all the norms and guidelines of DGCA for operation of the MI-172 helicopter like expansion of the Burtuk helipad. We are not seeing this chopper as a profit making venture but as a tourism promoting one…we have set a concept of no profit - no loss but the chopper needs to operate and ferry the tourist, he said.

Air Commander Pankaj Vishnoi, Head of Operations, Sky One Airways, Delhi along with director Minton Nagpaul informed the media the MI-172 is a Russian-built medium lift, versatile and multi-tasking aircraft.

It was informed that Sky One Airways has been operating similar helicopter services in Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

The maximum and cruise speed of the MI-172 helicopter is 250km/h and 225 km/h respectively. The range of the helicopter is 465 km and the service ceiling is 6,000m. The aircraft weighs around 7,489 kg and its maximum take-off weight is 13,000 kg.