The Hindu : Other States / Himachal Pradesh News : H.P. chopper taxi plan gets a boost

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, May 30, 2005

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Other States - Himachal Pradesh

H.P. chopper taxi plan gets a boost

PM announces aid on purchase of helicopters

SHIMLA: The proposed move of the Himachal Pradesh government to launch helicopter taxi services for tourists got the much needed boost with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today announcing that the Central government was ready to shoulder a portion of the expenditure required for purchasing a chopper.

``We will provide Rs one crore per chopper to the state government to bridge the viability gap in the purchase of these flying machines'', he told newspersons here just before his departure for the national capital.

This offer would be limited for a three year period, he announced.

The PM's gesture is expected to help the state government in promoting tourism in the far flung areas like the tribal districts of Lahaul, Spiti and Kinnaur. Tourists normally avoid visiting these places, which are known for their breathtaking beauty as travelling by road is time consuming and at times risky.

The PM was obviously impressed with the natural beauty of the state, particularly that of the Kalpa valley in Kinnaur where he stayed last night after inaugurating the 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydel Project.

The HP government had been toying with the idea of introducing helicopter services to the remote areas but due to lack of funds the government had time and again delayed the introduction of these services.

The state government had a few days back announced to purchase one helicopter for tourism purpose.

Promising all possible assistance for promoting tourism in the state Dr Singh announced that Deccan Airways would commence flights to Bhunter in Kullu district from the third week of next month.He said extension of the runaway at Bhunter airport was in progress and new communication equipment would be installed soon to enhance its capacity and working.

Regarding Kangra airport, the PM said the runaway would be extended by 400 feet to accomodate 45 seater ATR-aircraft.

DTH boxes

The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today announced that 20,000 free-of-cost, Direct-To-Home (DTH) boxes would be provided for the remote tribal districts of Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur districts.

He made this announcement here following the demand of the state government for improving the services of Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR) in these remote areas. He said that the DTH facility will ensure viewing of 40 channels by the people of these areas.

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H.P. chopper taxi plan gets a boost