West Bengal: Chartered chopper services launched from Behala

Kolkata: The West Bengal government on Tuesday introduced chartered helicopter services from the Behala flying club in Kolkata to six destinations in the state. [caption id=“attachment_1535003” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Reuters[/caption] Announcing this, the state transport minister Madan Mitra said anyone can now hire the two-engine Pawan Hans chopper for travel to Haldia, Gangasagar, Malda, Bolpur, Balurgaht and Durgapur. “It would be particularly useful for doctors and patients who need to travel during a medical emergency. Others like lawyers, businessmen, artists etc can also avail this service,” Mitra told reporters. The hiring charge has been fixed at Rs 2 lakh per hour excluding service tax. The Behala flying club has also been revamped by adding a VIP lounge and a restaurant. The chopper would be operated by the state transport department. PTI