(a) whether the Government proposes to inter-link North-East Region by helicopter services;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the progress made in this regard;
(c) whether the Government has finalised the cost-bearing ratio between Central and State Governments for this project; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
The Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of
Development of North Eastern Region
[Dr. Jitendra Singh]
(a) to (d) In order to provide connectivity to remote areas and difficult terrains, helicopter services are in operation within the States of North East and also for inter-state services in the Region. Helicopter services are in operation in the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura under a subsidy scheme, of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Under this scheme cost of operation after deducting recovery from passengers, is shared in the ratio of 75:25 between MHA and North Eastern States.
Under the scheme, Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd.(PHHL), a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is the major service provider in the North Eastern States. In addition, States also engage private helicopter services under the scheme.