Chopping To Mizoram Coming Soon

Aizawl, Jan 31 : Mizoram is planning to launch helicopter service in the near future, Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said yesterday. While inspecting the proposed mini-airport at Kawmzawl in Lunglei district in southern Mizoram, the Chief Minister disclosed that quotations had been floated, inviting companies to operate the chopper service.

The Chief Minister said the government felt a strong need for airport in southern Mizoram in a bid to add to the States lone airport in Aizawl, adding the area had been identified in this regard. The proposed airport will accommodate small aircraft like nine-seated Cessna Caravan 208 B or 18-seated Dornier.

As the proposed site was being used as a helipad and maintained by the 14 Assam Rifles, talks between the Chief Minister and the concerned authorities would be required for clearance.

“At least four years will be required for the completion of the airport,” he added. “Besides Kawmzawl, another airport has also been proposed at Saitluk, also near Lunglei. A survey will be conducted by experts led by principal consultant, Civil Aviation during this February,” he said.

The chief minister was accompanied by two ministers Zodintluanga and PC Lalthanliana, High Power Committee Vice-Chairman and MLA Jospeh Lalhimpuia and wing commander (Rtd) Lalzawma, principal consultant of civil aviation wing under the State Government and Liansanga, engineer-in-chief of Public Works Department of Mizoram.