Heli-tourism set to lift off in Karnataka

NEXT time you intend to visit Hampi, Belur or Dharamasthala but are bogged down by thoughts of arduous road or train journey, take the sky route instead. Heli-tourism is set to take off in Karnataka with the government’s proposal of establishing 20 helipads across the tourist hot spots in the state. This move could also help time strapped corporate travellers to skip the clogged roads in the city.
According to sources, HAL is looking at flying business visitors and tourists from the existing airport in south Bangalore to the upcoming international airport in Devanhalli in north Bangalore. HAL also had discussions with the government for using the two helipads planned in the city. Among the 20 helipads, the government has proposed to set up two helipads in Electronic City, the IT companies hub in south bangalore, and the industrial hub Peenya. The helipads are expected to become operational by this year-end.
With an investment outlay of Rs 10 lakh each for a helipad, the state government plans to have a total outlay of Rs 2 crore. The cost for a one hour chopper ride could range from Rs 8,000-15,000 per head. “This move aims at providing good connectivity to tourist destinations. Many international travellers don’t visit the tourist hot spots because of poor connectivity,” VP Baligar, principal secretary, infrastructure development, Karnataka, told ET.

courtesy:economictimes