The Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited resumed its helicopter services to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh on Naharlagun-Guwahati-Tawang route on Monday after 31 months. The helicopter’s commercial service to the remote mountain town bordering China has remained suspended since May 2011, following the death of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu in a helicopter crash near Tawang on April 30, 2011. Earlier, in January, the Pawan Hans Limited resumed its services to other areas of Arunachal Pradesh.
Tawang Deputy Commissioner Abhikshek Dev told The Hindu that the resumed services to Tawang would be operated twice a week — on Monday and Friday. The number of passengers in each trip would be between 14 and 16.
“The resumption of Pawan Hans helicopter services has come as a great relief for the local residents of Tawang, who require to undertake emergent travel to Guwahati and other destinations for urgent medical and other exigencies. It will also add to tourists’ inflow to Tawang,” he said.
