Port Blair, Jan 10: The Directorate of Civil Aviation has taken initiatives to develop the infrastructures for supporting efficient Inter-Island air operations in A & N Islands.
“As part of this, the existing 15 helipads located at various Islands in the union territory of A & N Islands will be up-graded with better operational and passenger facilities. Further, keeping in view the vulnerability of these Islands to natural disasters, the Administration is in the process of constructing helipads in all the inhabited Islands and also additional helipads in major Islands for quick response during disaster and medical emergencies,” a press release issued by Mr. Mohanjeet Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Civil Aviation) said here today.
There will be total 13 helipads constructed during the 12th Five Year Plan, of which 01 in Baratang Island will be constructed during the current year 2013-14.
Mr. Singh added that the Baratang helipad is expected to come up by March, 2014. The other places which are to have the helipad facilities are Long Island, Strait Island, Narcondum Island, Smith Island, Interview Island, Landfall Island, East Island, Hanspuri, Rutland, Afra Bay in Great Nicobar, Makachua in Little Nicobar and Tillonchong Island. The technical feasibility study for construction of helipads at these locations has already been done by a special team comprising of officials from DGCA, Pawan Hans, Civil Aviation, A & N Command and APWD.
Besides, a civil air terminal with facilities like parking bays for civil aircrafts & helicopters, hangar and passenger waiting hall will be constructed at the Air Force station in Car Nicobar for facilitating civilian passenger movement. Similarly, civil air terminals at the Naval Air Station at Campbell bay and Shibpur will also be constructed during the 12th Five Year plan.
“The Administration also endeavours to improve the seaplane services by inducting a twin engine seaplane which will have more seating capacity and endurance to operate to far flung Islands in the Nicobar District. The tender for this has already been floated and expected to be finalized by April, 2014. The floating jetties meant for seaplane at Havelock, Hut Bay, Diglipur and Neil Island are being upgraded. Also new floating jetties will be constructed in the Islands located in Nicobar District so that seaplane services could be introduced to destinations in Nicobar District at the earliest. A CRJ aircraft will also be soon operational between Port Blair & Car Nicobar as a DGCA team is visiting Car Nicobar on 14th January, 2014 to conduct safety audit. With all these facilities coming up shortly, will give a new dimension to civil aviation in A & N Islands,” he said.
