3 min learnChandigarhJan 30, 2026 12:56 PM IST
The “VIP helipad” constructed by the Higher Mohali Space Improvement Authority (GMADA) close to Vikas Bhavan, the visitor home of Punjab’s Rural Improvement and Panchayats Division, earlier this month can’t be used for touchdown Punjab authorities helicopters because it falls throughout the “flight line” of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Worldwide Airport, a defence airport in Mohali.
Sources within the authorities advised The Indian Specific that the helipad has not been used even as soon as since its building. “The helipad is within the flight line. There are a number of flights touchdown on the Mohali airport daily. If we land a chopper on the helipad, there can be a wait of at the least three to 4 hours. Even then, permission from the Indian Air Pressure (IAF) can be required. It’s a tiring course of. After touchdown, one other approval is required to take off from the identical level,” mentioned a authorities supply aware of the developments.
“As per protocol, the Deputy Commissioner or the Division of Civil Aviation, Punjab, has to tell the IAF authorities about every take-off and touchdown. The airport is then knowledgeable to make sure the air funnel is evident for industrial and IAF flights,” the official mentioned, including that whereas a helipad will be constructed wherever, it’s higher to seek the advice of the involved authorities beforehand to keep away from technical points later.
GMADA constructed the momentary helipad within the first week of January in Part 8, reverse its workplace and close to the Vikas Bhavan, claiming that Rs 1.75 lakh was spent on the undertaking. The helipad’s building had attracted consideration because the Vikas Bhavan is steadily utilized by Aam Aadmi Get together (AAP) nationwide convener Arvind Kejriwal throughout his visits to Punjab.
Following the controversy, GMADA issued a communique stating that the momentary helipad was laid utilizing pavers because of difficult web site circumstances. Ajay Garg, chief engineer, GMADA, mentioned the choice was taken after the positioning was discovered to be uneven and marshy following latest rainfall. “The soil situation made it troublesome to make sure a secure touchdown floor. To offer a agency and secure base for helicopter operations, pavers have been used for the helipad,” he mentioned.
Garg additionally clarified that the development was momentary and concerned minimal expenditure. “The approximate price of establishing the helipad is Rs 1.75 lakh,” he mentioned. Because the helipad is positioned lower than 15 km from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Worldwide Airport, a defence airport, a senior airport official mentioned that each helicopter touchdown and take-off requires prior approval from the IAF.
The spokesperson of the Aam Aadmi Get together (AAP) was not accessible for feedback.
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