New chopper for Sikkim sky

The Pawanhans chopper in Sikkim will be soon replaced by a 13-seater double engine helicopter. The cabinet has already forwarded a proposal of state tourism department to the civil aviation ministry to acquire a new helicopter. The tourism department is interested to buy 11-13 seater helicopter and then lease it out to the government.

It also plans to request Union ministry of home affairs to bear the increased cost of the bigger helicopter at the existing pattern of subsidy being borne by the Centre. At the moment there is a subsidy of 75% on the Pawanhans borne by the centre and the rest 25% is provided by the state.

There is no proper aviation system in Sikkim and the only airport in Pakyang in East Sikkim is yet to be built. One helipad out of a total of eight in the state is used which is located at Sichey-Burtuk. The chopper provides every day service connecting Gangtok with Bagdogra Airport. This ride is quite popular with the tourists.

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