An infographic illustrating the proposed Rs 21.20-crore plan to strengthen Nagaland's helicopter network, based on a recently floated Request for Proposal (Graphic created using OpenAI.)
Proposed project includes 10 new helipads, fuel stations
Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 5
The Nagaland Government has initiated a Rs 21.2-crore project to strengthen the State's civil aviation infrastructure by developing a network of new helipads, upgrading existing facilities and establishing aviation fuel stations to enhance passenger connectivity, emergency response and tourism.
The Transport Department's A.I.R. Cell on July 17 issued a Notice Inviting e-Tender (NIT), floating a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the “Establishment of Helipads for Enhanced Helicopter Service Connectivity in Nagaland.” The proposed project, under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode and estimated at Rs 21.20 crore, is to be completed within 24 months of the award of work.
According to the RFP, Nagaland introduced helicopter services in 2007 to provide safe, efficient and rapid transportation for passengers, emergency medical evacuation, disaster management, VVIP movement, tourism and other essential services.
Since then, demand for helicopter services, both within and outside the State, has increased substantially.
However, the document noted that existing aviation infrastructure remains inadequate to support growing operational requirements, citing an acute shortage of helipad facilities and allied infrastructure.
The project seeks to address these constraints by strengthening intra-state helicopter services, improving access to remote areas, increasing operational capacity and service frequency, and promoting tourism through faster and more convenient air connectivity.
New helipads, refuelling stations
The proposal envisages construction of 10 new helipads, including seven at sub-divisional headquarters: Tening, Tuli, Tobu, Pungro, Bhandari, Mangkolemba and Tamlu.
Three additional helipads are proposed at the tourist destinations of Doyang, Longwa and Dzukou.
The project also includes upgrading existing helipads at Lower Tizu, Aitepyong, Shilloi and Satakha.
Besides helipad infrastructure, the project proposes establishing Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) refuelling stations at Chümoukedima Heliport and the helipads at Mon and Kiphire.
These facilities are intended to improve operational capacity and increase helicopter service frequency by reducing refuelling constraints, the RFP stated.
Passenger facilities
The proposed helipads are designed as passenger service facilities rather than simple landing sites.
Each new location will include a 30-metre-diameter helipad, an 84.3 sq m waiting hall comprising a waiting lounge, reception, office, security checking area, VIP lounge, toilets for men, women and persons with disabilities, separate entry and exit points with ramps, electrification, sanitary works and rainwater harvesting facilities.
The scope of work also includes approach roads, parking yards, side drains, culverts, boundary fencing with gates and fire safety provisions.
Existing helicopter network
The infrastructure expansion builds on Nagaland's existing helicopter service, which currently operates two helicopters under a four-year Memorandum of Understanding with M/s Thumby Aviation Pvt Ltd, effective from January 10, 2024.
According to the Transport Department, the service connects 20 sectors across the State through scheduled weekly operations while also providing charter services for patient evacuation, emergency response, VIP and VVIP movement, bank remittances and other State requirements.
The State helicopter service operates under subsidised and non-subsidised categories, with passengers travelling to district headquarters and those requiring medical evacuation paying only 25% of the notified fare, while charter services for VIPs, corporate clients and private individuals are charged at full rates.
Last year, the government also introduced a daily weekday helicopter service between Dimapur and Kohima to facilitate travel amid road connectivity challenges on the corridor.
Meanwhile, the tender closes on August 11, with technical bids scheduled to be opened the same day.
