Arunachal earns over Rs 2 crore from chopper fares

Itanagar, Sep 24 (UNI) The Arunachal Pradesh government has earned over Rs 2 crore as revenue from fares of various helicopter services operating in the state under Pawan Hans Service Ltd during the last three years.

According to sources at the civil aviation department, since April 2005 till March 2008, a total amount of Rs. 2,84,26,200.00 was collected by the department from passenger fares. A total number of 11,052 passengers availed chopper services during the period.

Altogether three helicopters are operating in the state including a Dauphin helicopter for 100 flying hours per month and two MI-172 choppers for 100 and 52 flying hours per month respectively, sources said.

The Dauphin chopper was introduced in December,1995, while the first MI-172 chopper was introduced in August 2002 and the second one in June this year. Helicopter services were introduced for passenger movement as also for ration sorties in various parts of the state in the event of disruption of surface communication.

The state government during 2005-06 incurred an expenditure of Rs.5,36,42,768.00 on chopper service while the expenditure during 2007-07 was Rs.2,75,62,807.00 and during 2007-08 (Rs.5,34,20,945.00), sources disclosed adding, 75 per cent subsidy on the total expenditure comes from the union ministry of home affairs.

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