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.