Dimapur: Pawan Hans Limited (PHL) conducted a trial landing of its helicopters in five districts of Nagaland under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)–UDAN of the Government of India.
Officials carried out the trial landing on Tuesday to assess helicopter connectivity linking Mokokchung, Kohima, Phek, Tuensang and Zunheboto with Dimapur, an official release said on Wednesday.
The team conducted the operation on January 13 using a Pawan Hans Dauphin twin-engine helicopter (VT-ELG) after obtaining due permission from the respective district administrations.
Authorities put in place adequate arrangements, including police security, fire tender services and ambulance facilities, to ensure the trial landing proceeded safely and smoothly.
Commissioner & secretary, Nagaland transport department, Robert Longchari, along with OSD transport, M Ababe Ezung and officials from Nagaland State Transport, met the Pawan Hans team at the Lerie helipad, Kohima.
The coordinated efforts of Pawan Hans Limited, the Nagaland Transport Department, and the respective deputy commissioners and district magistrates, along with their district administration teams, ensured the successful conduct of the trial landing.
The meticulous arrangements and cooperation extended at the district helipads were instrumental in ensuring a safe, secure, and efficient operation.
The trial landing of helicopters underscored the Nagaland government’s keen interest and strong support for the initiative, which marks an important milestone toward the commencement of regular helicopter services in the state.
Once operational, the services will directly connect Kohima, Phek, Mokokchung, Tuensang, and Zunheboto through Dimapur airport under the UDAN scheme.
The initiative is expected to significantly improve regional connectivity, enhance accessibility to remote districts, and contribute to economic growth and social integration across Nagaland.