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Heli-tourism to take off in Vizag
It should be recalled that the Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has shown immense interest in boosting tourism in Visakhapatnam, particularly small projects like heli-tourism and seaplane tour.
Visakhapatnam: The much awaited heli-tourism will likely take off by the end of the month. Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) secretary A Srinivas got a nod from principal secretary of Tourism department Neerabh Kumar Prasad on Thursday to go ahead with the development of two heli pads at VUDA Park.
It should be recalled that the Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has shown immense interest in boosting tourism in Visakhapatnam, particularly small projects like heli-tourism and seaplane tour.
We have sent MoU and agreement papers to Skychoppers Logistics Limited, the company which will operate the project and expecting to get them signed shortly,” Srinivas told The Hans India.
He said the work has started for developing the two helipads in the VUDA Park and an existing building in the park would be refurbished and used as waiting hall for passengers and pilots.
VUDA has sought Rs 75,000 rent per month for the two helipads and the company has requested to reduce the amount as they were not sure of the viability of the project. The secretary said they might negotiate and reduce the rent in the interest of developing local tourism.
Initially, one six-seater helicopter would be used for city sortie and trip to Araku Valley and later one more chopper would be added depending upon the demand.
As per initial estimates, the company might charge Rs 2,000 per person for city tour and Rs 5,000 for Araku Valley and Eastern Ghats. The city trip would be for 20 minutes and the sortie would cover Kailasagiri, Thotlakonda, Simhachalam Temple and other important tourist spots.
The sortie to Araku Valley will take 30 minutes and cover exotic view of the forests and the valley. “The choppers will travel at a speed of 250 kmph,” the secretary said.
By:KMP Patnaik
