Planning a short trip to Kolkata for IPL matches? Well, you have a chance to catch a bird’s eye view of the city’s rich architectural heritage and the green landscape.

Kolkata-based Prayag Group has launched a 10-minute helicopter joyride package in Kolkata priced at Rs 2,000 per person. Betting big on the inflow of visitors to Kolkata, the company plans to promote its services during the annual cricketing extravaganza.

“We do have plans to promote our helicopter services during IPL matches in Kolkata. We will open a kiosk at the new integrated terminal of the Kolkata airport,” Avik Bagchi, Managing Director, Prayag Group, said after announcing the launch on Friday.

Available estimates suggest that IPL matches in Kolkata draw 5-10 per cent visitors from outside the State. These include both supporters of particular teams and relatives of the players.

“To be operated on a Bell 407 helicopter, the ride would provide aerial glimpses of places such as Victoria Memorial, the twin bridges over Hooghly river or lush greenery of Maidan,” he added.

Initially, the group plans to have tie-ups with corporate houses, tour operators on a monthly basis. “We can advertise our offerings at hotels and clubs too,” Bagchi pointed out.

According to him, the helicopter operations would entail an investment of Rs 100 crore over the next 3-4 years. The company would add 2 more helicopters in the next fiscal, he added.

Chartered service

The company has chalked out plans to provide chartered services to tourist destinations in West Bengal such as Digha, Darjeeling, Mandarmoni, Chandrakona, Sunderbans. According to Bagchi, such services will also be available for pilgrim destinations such as Mayapur, Tarapith, Joyrambati, Kamarpukur.

Chartered services will cost the users about Rs 90,000 an hour.

> ayan.pramanik@thehindu.co.in

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