India gets first integrated heliport

India on Monday got its first integrated heliport in Delhi’s Rohini. This facility is expected to decongest the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport and promote regional connectivity using choppers.

Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju dedicated the facility to the nation, saying it is the first of its kind facility in South Asia. “Helicopter and cargo are still at a miniscule level in the country. If we have to take them to a higher level, it needs training in skill development,” Raju said.

Built by the state-owned Pawan Hans Ltd in 25 acres, the Rs 100 crore heliport consists of a terminal building, has a capacity of 150 passengers, four hangars — with a parking capacity for 16 helicopters — and nine parking bays.

It also has a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility for the upkeep of the Pawan Hans fleet, as well as for third-party maintenance work.

Officials said the heliport is expected to reduce congestion at the Delhi airport, which currently handles about 40-50 helicopter arrivals and departures per day. Pawan Hans has also prepared a roadmap to connect the heliport to Shimla, Haridwar, Dehradun, Mathura, Agra, Meerut and industrial hubs such as Manesar and Bahadurgarh.