Hyderabad: Enthusiasts can have a bird’s eye view of the city with the Telangana government giving permission to two aviation companies ‘Atom Aviation Services and Indwell Aviation Private Limited’ to offer helicopter rides.
If all goes well, the first flight of Atom Aviation Services will take off on March 12 and continue till March 23 and subsequently on weekdays. Telangana Youth Advancement, Tourism and Cultural Affairs department secretary Mr B. Venkatesam told DC on Wednesday that the government has given permission to the two companies to conduct joy rides over Hyderabad. Indwell Aviation has also been allowed to offer rides during the Medram Jatra in Warangal district, which began on Wednesday.
“All clearances have been given by HMDA, GHMC, police, fire services, Begumpet airport and the director of civil aviation. The helicopter rides will be an additional attraction for tourists and citizens,” Mr Venkatesam said.
The helicopter will fly over important locations of Hyderabad.
The helicopters will take off from Gachibowli Stadium and Peoples Plaza on Necklace Road, he added. According to Mr S.A. Sabeer, director, Atom Aviation Services, a 15-minute joy ride on a Bell 407 six-seater helicopter will cost Rs 3000 per head. Hiring the helicopter for one hour will cost around Rs 95,000 while a Bell 206 four-seater will cost Rs 73,000.
“The helicopter will fly at a height of 1,500 feet, over all the important locations of Hyderabad city, from 10 am to 5 pm. The rides will cover Birla Mandir, Buddha statue, Necklace Road, Charminar, Salarjung Museum, State Assembly, Golconda Fort, Hitec City, Falaknuma Palace, Ramoji Film City and other places,” he revealed. Mr Sabeer said that the company had already stationed a six-seater Bell 407 helicopter and once the services started, a four-seater Bell 206 would be added.
“Once the Hyderabad rides take off and are successful, we will also undertake pilgrimages and leisure trips from Hyderabad to Yadagirigutta, Basara, Bhadrachalam, Medak Church, Nagarjunasagar and Anantagiri Hills,” he added.
The government is also trying to organise joyrides during the Medaram Jatra, which began Wednesday. Though permission has been given to Indwell aviation and a helicopter is ready, it did not take off.
