Kerala Police's attempt to hire helicopter hits headwind

Thiruvananthapuram: The government’s plan to rent a helicopter for disaster management and security purpose ran into rough weather on Monday, after a letter to Chief Minister accused the contract of obscurity.

Chipsan aviation—with whom the government had previously discussed the plan— in a letter to the Chief Minister complained of awarding the contract to Pawan Hans at a higher rate.

The letter reportedly accused an adviser at CMO of intervening to award the contract at the higher rate.

The Kerala police made the contract with Pawan Hans on behalf of the state government.

An 11-seater double engine helicopter requires 1.40 crore for 20 hours ride each month.  An adviser to the chief minister led the first phase of discussion.

Chipsan Aviation say that at no point in the discussion had the requirement of 11-seater helicopter been raised. The adviser insisted on having onboard the equipment for rescue operations.  The discussion hit a blind alley as Chipsan Aviation was unable to provide the same.

However, Chipsan Aviation charges that Pawan Hans also does not provide the rescue facility.

Chipsan offered double engine 5-seater helicopter for 37 lakhs a month, and 6-seater single engine copter at the 19 lakhs a month. The contract with Pawan Hans came checking off Chipsan’s offer, they complain.

Chipasan now offers to ride three helicopters for 30 hours each month for the same rate in the contract with Pawan Hans.

However, the government said that the contract with Pawan Hans was made as it is being a public sector institution.