Poonch: The long wait of the people of this mountainous border district of Poonch for air services ended as the government has decided to start paid helicopter/chopper service to the region from Monday (11-9-17). The air service will operate for two days in a week on Monday & Saturday, said DC Poonch, Tariq Ahmad Zargar, here Saturday.
After successful completion of trial for landing & take off at District police line Poonch (DPL) Saturday, the service has been given green signal, he said.
Giving further details, the Deputy Commissioner said the increase in of sorties and days would depend on the kind of response from the people.
However, he said in case of emergency the service can be availed or booked on paying thirty two thousand for either side. He further said the chopper service is being operated by Pawan Hans Pvt Limited. “The service will be available tentatively for two days in a week on Monday and Saturday from Poonch to Jammu and vice versa depending upon the response of passengers” he informed further.
He further informed that chopper would use landing and takeoff position temporarily from (DPL)District police line Poonch and in this regard all preconditions for takeoff including technical formalities have been fulfilled.
According to district administration, SSP shall make the adequate security arrangements at the site, while tehsildar Haveli shall look after booking/reservation of berths. The passengers can contact tehsildar on mobile no 9797581000 and Land line no 220156.The passengers who want to travel from Jammu to Poonch can also book their berths from Tourist Reception Center Jammu on same payment (TRC).
The deputy Commissioner said the company has demanded Rs one lakh for 5 seat Chopper as fare for one hour out of which 80 percent would be borne by the government as subsidy and only Rs 4000 have to be paid by passengers from Poonch to Jammu or vice versa.
He further informed that heavy languages are not allowed and each passenger can carry only less than 3kg of bag/handbag.
