Helicopter services launched from Pantnagar airport in Kumaon

Rudrapur: Helicopter services from Pantnagar Airport in Kumaon were launched on Wednesday under the UDAN scheme. The inaugural flight to Naukuchiatal was flagged off by Rudrapur MLA Shiv Arora and district magistrate Nitin Singh Bhadauria, who also performed a ceremonial coconut-breaking ritual.Arora termed the initiative a “revolutionary step”, saying, “The service, launched under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, will improve connectivity to Dehradun, Almora, Nainital and Pantnagar, and tourists can now reach these destinations within 30 to 45 minutes, which will give a push to the local economy.”He added the service, operated by Pawan Hans Limited (PHL), will benefit residents of remote hill areas as well as those living near the Nepal border and adjoining Uttar Pradesh regions.Airport Director Pawan Kumar said expansion work at Pantnagar airport, including construction of a boundary wall, is underway. “Runway and terminal development will begin soon,” he said.