VISAKHAPATNAM: The proposed chopper joyrides along the coastal stretch and Visakhapatnam Agency as part of the helitourism project are likely to be delayed as the much awaited project is yet to get the mandatory clearance from many departments.
Though the project was scheduled to be launched on October 11, marking the Dasara day, delay in several works will disappoint the tourists coming to Vizag this winter. VUDA signed an MoU with Sky Choppers Logistics Private Limited for this first-ever helitourism project in September. Long distance trips to Araku and Annavaram and short trips to Bheemili covering RK Beach, Simhachalam, Kambalakonda, Kailasagiri, Rushikonda, Ramanaidu Studios and Erramatti Dibbalu were planned.
For the services, the authorities have set up a helipad and rooms for ticket counters at the VUDA Park. Initially, the VUDA cited inclement weather as the reason for the delay. “We are yet to obtain NOC for the helipad. Several permissions from the Eastern Naval Command are also awaited,” said Prasad, administrative officer of VUDA. Sources said the officials have plans to select another helicopter service for the project as the earlier agency had some issues. However, tourism officials said that there were no such issues, but permissions from Central agencies was the only reason.
Tourism executive director Sreeramulu Naidu said they had to obtain permissions from aviation department. VUDA officials said they would try to launch the project by Sankranthi, if all goes well.