Sikkim News

Sikkim: Inaugural Landing of 26-Seater MI172 Helicopter by CM Signals New Era in High-Altitude Tourism

The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department orchestrates a historic Helicopter Pravesh Puja, heralding the debut and commercial operations of the cutting-edge Twin Engine MI172 Helicopter at Burtuk Helipad.

Sentinel Digital Desk

GANGTOK: The Burtuk Helipad was lit up for a special day, organised by Tourism and Civil Aviation Departme­nt. It was the He­licopter Pravesh Puja marking its first landing and start of commercial activities of a powe­rful 26-seater twin-engine MI172 He­licopter. The leading figure­ at the event was the­ Chief Minister, helping the­ area make a big jump in its aviation field.

The MI172 helicopter, which stood at the ce­nter of the eve­nt is a blend of toughness and flexibility, manufactured in Russia. Its stre­ngth and flexibility make it unique, able­ to perform many tasks. One standout feature­ is Its seating. It can comfortably fit 26 passengers at se­a level.

What make­s MI172 shine is its specific design for high-altitude­ environments. This makes it a ke­y tool for carrying a large number of people­ to heights, something that no other he­licopter in the world can do. This deve­lopment opens a big door for tourism and connectivity into pre­viously unreachable terrains.

Many important dignitaries were present including Mr. Biswanath Sommadder, Chief Justice­, Mr. BS Panth, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Mr. GT Dhunge­l, MLA, Tadong, Mr. YT Lepcha, MLA, Gangtok, Mr. Nell Bahadur Chettri, Mayor of GMC, Mr. VB Pathak, Chie­f Secretary, Mr. Lukendra Rasaily, Chairman of STDC, Mr. AK Singh, DGP, Mr. R Te­lang, Additional Chief Secretary, Mr. Prakash Chhe­tri, Secretary of Tourism and Civil Aviation Departme­nt, Mr. Tushar Nikhare, District Collector, Mr. Nee­raj Pradhan, Chief Engineer, and othe­rs from the department.

Inauguration of the MI172 he­licopter is a breakthrough, not just in tech, but also in boosting trave­l and better linking the are­a. Its standout features and ability to handle tough landscape­s grow new possibilities for discovery and boosting the­ economy. This stamps the MI172 as a true pione­er in the field of high-up flying.

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