Mumbai: For 16 students of the University of Mumbai, the 10-minute helicopter ride on Tuesday was an experience of thrill and chill. As the Pawan Hans chopper took off at the Kalina campus, the students, who were part of the free inaugural ride, had a chance to see the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Worli Sea Face, and finally the Mahalaxmi race course, from the skies.
“Except the first few minutes of anxiety, it was a great first-time experience. I could see the colours of the water in the Arabian Sea changing. I doubt I’ll ever forget this experience,” said Tejasvi Veer, a B.Sc Computer Science student at Bhausaheb Nene College, and a resident of Pen in Raigad district.
The Kalina-Mahalaxmi route was for the inauguraal ride, while the helipad — whether Juhu or Kalina — hasn’t been finalised yet.
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The exclusive service for the university students is not intended solely as a joyride, said Sanjay Deshmukh, Vice-Chancellor. The rides are intended to create awareness of flying and to attract more students to aviation.
Earlier this month, the university had announced the launch of a B.Sc Aeronautics, which will be offered from this academic year. The course will also offer a certificate in aircraft maintenance engineering by Pawan Hans.
The estimated cost of the ride is ₹3,000 per person, which comes at a 10% discount for students. The university plans to offer it at a further discounted rate of 15%, which will be paid from the university’s budget, said Mr. Deshmukh. “Initiatives like this, with the support of Pawan Hans, will allow students to understand what it is like to travel in helicopters, and that will hopefully make them interested in taking up careers in aviation. India has a significant shortage of pilots. Pilots from India and Asia have to go to Europe for interim training. I am hoping this initiative will inspire students,” said Mr. Deshmukh.
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