After CM Devendra Fadnavis's copter mishaps, Maharashtra govt to buy 2 new ones for Rs 160 cr

After Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis narrowly escaping four times in the last one year due to helicopter related accidents, the government has decided to give away it's existing helicopter and purchase two brand new copters for Rs 159.63 crore. The State Government will receive two helicopters, including one VIP helicopter and another multi-role helicopter for Gadchiroli, in less than one year.

Minister of State for Finance Deepak Kesarkar on Wednesday tabled supplementary demands before the state assembly, which includes a provision of Rs 159.63 crore for purchase of two helicopters for the state government. Kesarkar, however, made it clear that this provision is for the entire process for purchase of helicopters, including floating tenders since the purchase requires international bidding.

Besides, both the existing helicopters with the Government of Maharashtra had become non-functional and were out of use. This prompted the Government to start the tender process for the purchase of helicopters from last June-July.

Captain Sanjay Karve, Director Civil Aviation Maharashtra confirmed to DNA that the tender process had begun last year and the Sikorsky company would be providing the VIP helicopters, while Airbus will provide the multi-role one.

The multi-role helicopter would have inbuilt arrangements for flying it as a VIP helicopter and when required it can also be converted into an air-ambulance or could be used for movement of troops. This helicopter would be used in anti-naxal operations in Gadchiroli. The multi-role helicopter would be made as per requirement of these roles and that is the reason that facilities such as stretchers, IV bottles and other medical equipment would be incorporated in it.

Training For Pilots

Captain Sanjay Karve, Director Civil Aviation Maharashtra, said that the contract has a clause which would enable pilots flying the VIP helicopter to avail training from the manufacturer company for two years as and when the DGCA makes any kind of training mandatory for the pilots