Tender issued to start suspended helicopter joyride at Statue of Unity

The RFP, which was made public by SOUADTGA on June 14, will allow bidders to submit their interest by June 30.

The tender has sought bids from companies and individuals having “prior two years of experience in providing helicopter joyride services for 4-seater (1+3) or more capacity”. “The Operator shall be required to provide helicopter joyride services with one helicopter for a minimum 4-seater (1+3), subject to fair weather conditions and clearance from the ATC and other relevant authorities. The Operations Agreement to be executed with the selected bidder shall be tripartite with the SOUADTGA and GUJSAIL,” the tender stated.

“SOUADTGA has also laid down that the helicopter to be deployed for the project should have proof of ownership of a domestic lease license The last date for submission of the bid is June 30. According to the tender details, the tripartite agreement will be valid for one year,” it further added.
When the helicopter service was pressed into action at SoU in 2018, the fare was Rs 2,900 per person for a ride of 10 minutes.

In May, GUJSAIL, on behalf of special purpose vehicle Varuna Vayu Seva Limited, issued a fresh RFP for the selection of an airline operator for three years to restart the seaplane project on the route. The last day for submission of bids in this regard is June 28.