GANGTOK,:
State Tourism & Civil Aviation minister Tshering T. Bhutia inspected Burtuk
Helipad on Thursday to review its operational capabilities and ongoing
services. He was accompanied by Tourism & Civil Aviation secretary Prakash
Chettri.
During
his visit, the minister closely observed the progress of ongoing work at the
helipad and commended the staff of the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation
(STDC) stationed at Burtuk helipad.
The
minister’s visit aligns with his ongoing efforts to strengthen Sikkim's tourism
infrastructures.
Burtuk
Helipad facilitates heli-tourism using the Russian-made 26-seater MI-172
helicopter, which began its commercial operations on March 6 this year under
the STDC. This aircraft serves routes between Gangtok and Bagdogra Airport and
provides additional services for medical emergencies, joyrides for tourists,
and chartered flights for VVIPs.
The
MI-172, equipped with twin engines, also offers long-distance travel options to
destinations like Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati.
The
minister also boarded the MI-172 for a flight to Bagdogra Airport, gaining
firsthand experience of the service offered to passengers.
From
Bagdogra, minister Bhutia departed for Hyderabad for a two-day official tour.
