Baripada: The Bhubaneswar–Baripada heli-taxi service is expected to commence operations in the first week of March, following a successful trial run conducted on Tuesday at the police ground in Baripada.
According to sources, the service, which will initially operate 4–5 times per month from Baripada Police Line Helipad to Bhubaneswar airport, would drastically cut travel time between the state capital and the headquarters of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district while boosting tourism, particularly to attractions like Similipal National Park, and spurring economic growth in the region.
Departments of Commerce, Transport, and Tourism have held discussions with officials of Pawan Hans Limited, under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, selected to operate heli taxi services. “The tentative itinerary for tourists, travelling from Bhubaneswar to Baripada, includes site visits after landing here. Arrangements have been made for their night stay at Lulung in the scenic foothill region of Similipal. The following day, they will embark on aerial tours over Baripada and Similipal,” said district tourism officer, Himanshu Mohanty.
“The launch of the service is tentatively set for the first week of March. However, it will depend on clearances and NOCs from departments concerned,” he added.
To enhance connectivity and promote tourism, the Odisha government has also announced plans to construct a helipad near Similipal National Park. Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena informed the Assembly during the ongoing Budget Session that the district administration has been asked to identify suitable land for the project following a proposal from Bangiriposhi MLA Sanjali Murmu.
Minister Jena emphasised that the helipad and associated heli taxi services will boost access to remote and ecologically sensitive areas, promote sustainable eco-tourism, and facilitate quicker movement for officials and emergency services in the Similipal region.
The heli taxi is part of the state’s ‘Joy Ride Scheme’. A Pawan Hans helicopter had arrived at the Rangeilunda airstrip in Berhampur last month during which the Minister had confirmed that the service will be launched soon with affordable ticket pricing at the Chilika lake and the Maa Taratarini shrine in Ganjam district, allowing visitors a chance to experience Odisha’s natural and cultural landmarks from the sky.
