Gangtok, 2 August : Frequent closure of Sikkim’s only lifeline ~ the NH-31A ~ due to
pro-Gorkhaland bandhs in Darjeeling has activated another lifeline, the
passenger helicopter service between Burtuk helipad here and Bagdogra.
With limited traffic flow along the highway under police protection, the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) that runs the Pawan Hans copter
service has increased the number of sorties to twice daily. A STDC official said emergency cases were prioritised for the five-seater chopper service since Monday ~ the first day of the three-day bandh that ended yesterday. On Tuesday, the STDC received bookings worth six sorties but only four sorties could happen. "Wednesday saw a similar increase in bookings," the official added.
Even as the demand may increase, the single-engine copter will not be able to do more than seven sorties daily depending on the weather condition.
The Burtuk helipad could arrange for trips while an alternative at Rangpo could handle at least one trip daily. Today, the service remained suspended due to bad flying conditions, it is informed.(SNS)
With limited traffic flow along the highway under police protection, the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) that runs the Pawan Hans copter
service has increased the number of sorties to twice daily. A STDC official said emergency cases were prioritised for the five-seater chopper service since Monday ~ the first day of the three-day bandh that ended yesterday. On Tuesday, the STDC received bookings worth six sorties but only four sorties could happen. "Wednesday saw a similar increase in bookings," the official added.
Even as the demand may increase, the single-engine copter will not be able to do more than seven sorties daily depending on the weather condition.
The Burtuk helipad could arrange for trips while an alternative at Rangpo could handle at least one trip daily. Today, the service remained suspended due to bad flying conditions, it is informed.(SNS)
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