Helicopter service to Nilackal launched

Service organised in association with a private company

Travancore Devaswom Board president Prayar Gopalakrishnan coming out of a helicopter aften its inaugural flight from Thiruvananthapuram Airport to the TDB helipad at Nilackal on Wednesday.

The Travancore Devaswom Board on Wednesday launched a commercial helicopter service to Nilackal, near Pampa, in association with the Kochi-based Helitours India.

Prayar Gopalakrishnan, TDB president, Ajay Tharayil, board member, and Shobby T. Paul, Helitours managing director, were on board the helicopter during the maiden flight.

The helicopter took off from the Thiruvananthapuram airport at 9.45 a.m. and landed at the TDB helipad near Nilackal Mahadevar Temple at 10.15 a.m.

Talking to reporters, Mr. Gopalakrishnan said the service was aimed at elevating Sabarimala to an international pilgrim centre.