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3-4 hour wait, required nods from IAF render Mohali’s new ‘VIP helipad’ unusable

The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority constructed the temporary helipad in the first week of January, opposite its office and near the Vikas Bhavan.

3 min readChandigarhJan 30, 2026 12:56 PM IST

Sources in the government said the helipad has not been used even once since its construction earlier this month. (File photo)

The “VIP helipad” constructed by the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) near Vikas Bhavan, the guest house of Punjab’s Rural Development and Panchayats Department, earlier this month cannot be used for landing Punjab government helicopters as it falls within the “flight line” of Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, a defence airport in Mohali.

Sources in the government told The Indian Express that the helipad has not been used even once since its construction. “The helipad is in the flight line. There are several flights landing at the Mohali airport every day. If we land a chopper at the helipad, there will be a wait of at least three to four hours. Even then, permission from the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be required. It is a tiring process. After landing, another approval is needed to take off from the same point,” said a government source privy to the developments.

“As per protocol, the Deputy Commissioner or the Department of Civil Aviation, Punjab, has to inform the IAF authorities about each take-off and landing. The airport is then informed to ensure the air funnel is clear for commercial and IAF flights,” the official said, adding that while a helipad can be constructed anywhere, it is better to consult the concerned authorities beforehand to avoid technical issues later.

GMADA constructed the temporary helipad in the first week of January in Phase 8, opposite its office and near the Vikas Bhavan, claiming that Rs 1.75 lakh was spent on the project. The helipad’s construction had attracted attention as the Vikas Bhavan is frequently used by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal during his visits to Punjab.

Following the controversy, GMADA issued a communique stating that the temporary helipad was laid using pavers due to challenging site conditions. Ajay Garg, chief engineer, GMADA, said the decision was taken after the site was found to be uneven and marshy following recent rainfall. “The soil condition made it difficult to ensure a stable landing surface. To provide a firm and safe base for helicopter operations, pavers were used for the helipad,” he said.

Garg also clarified that the construction was temporary and involved minimal expenditure. “The approximate cost of constructing the helipad is Rs 1.75 lakh,” he said. Since the helipad is located less than 15 km from Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, a defence airport, a senior airport official said that every helicopter landing and take-off requires prior approval from the IAF.

The spokesperson of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was not available for comments.

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

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