Maharashtra’s first heliport to come up at Hadapsar Gliding Centre in Pune: Union MoS Murlidhar Mohol
The gliding centre is currently being transferred to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) after which a DPR will be prepared for the new project, Union MoS for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said.
Maharashtra's first heliport to be built in Pune's Hadapsar Gliding Centre along with an aviation gallery.
(Express Photo by Arul Horizon) Maharashtra’s first heliport will be built at the Hadapsar Gliding Centre in Pune along with an aviation gallery, Pune MP and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said Monday.
According to data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Pune has the largest helicopter fleet in the country due to tourism, business and other activities in the western region of Maharashtra.
Therefore, Mohol said, the heliport will be built with planning and necessary infrastructure.
The gliding centre at Hadapsar is spread over 230 acres.
Currently under the control of the DGCA, the property is being transferred to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
The centre has been used by gliding trainees and aviation enthusiasts for decades.
The DPR for the new project will be prepared after AAI takes over the gliding centre, said Mohol.
“On March 4, 2022, the Department of Skill Development and Information Technology of the Ministry of Civil Aviation decided to transfer this land and assets for a period of 99 years. This land will be given to the Airports Authority of India at a nominal rate of Rs one per year. There is an intention to set up a heliport to bring about a major change in the aviation infrastructure of this area and to promote helicopter-based services,” the minister said.
Mohol added that a world-class aviation gallery will also be set up at the gliding centre.
The gallery and museum will provide interactive and educational information and will include research on old aircraft to modern aircraft, simulators, historical information and digital displays.
“The (heliport and aviation gallery) project is under consideration and no proposal has been made yet. However, after the construction of a heliport at this place, it will be useful for medical services, tourism, emergency services, and business travel,” Mohol said, adding, “Geographically, this place is important and can become an important hub for civil aviation. We intend to set up two such heliports in Pune district. The search for the second place is underway.”
Share
