The stage is set for introduction of heli tourism here, with a proposal to operate choppers from the Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) park on the beach road to Kailasagiri and Araku valley in the district. Pawan Hans carried out a trial run on Thursday.

“Once the Navy gives permission, regular operations can begin in 15 to 20 days. It will be a unique opportunity for tourists as they can travel in a helicopter for around ₹2,500,” Srinivasa Rao of Pawan Hans said after the trial run.

“This is a seven-seater aircraft with provision for two pilots and five passengers. However, once the joy rides begin, it would be flown by a single pilot and six passengers. The VUDA and tourism officials are making efforts to get the service operationalised. At present, we have brought only one chopper,” he said in reply to queries from the media.

Feasibility studies for the operation of choppers were conducted by a private chopper service operator and land was identified for development of the helipad near the VUDA park. Though the service was expected to have commenced during 2016 summer itself, the change of the land, identified for construction of the helipad, had caused the delay at that time.

Skychopper conducted feasibility studies for operation of helicopters to Kailasagiri and Araku on the invitation of AP Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) initially. The MoU with Skychopper was subsequently cancelled. Now, Pawan Hans has taken up the project.

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