New Delhi: The country’s first integrated heliport was inaugurated by civil aviation minister A. Gajapathi Raju in the national capital on Tuesday. The minister said that it is a first of its kind facility in South Asia.

Built by state-owned Pawan Hans Ltd, the heliport in Rohini consists of a terminal building with a capacity of 150 passengers, four hangars with parking capacity for 16 helicopters and nine parking bays. Erected over an area of 25 acres, it has come up with an investment of Rs 100 crore. The heliport also has a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for the upkeep of Pawan Hans fleet as well as for third-party maintenance work.

“Helicopter and cargo are still at minuscule level in the country. If we have to take them to a higher level, it needs training (in skill development),” said Mr Raju.

While stating that domestic air passenger traffic in India is seeing the fastest growth in the world, he also said that “we need to pull our socks.” In January, domestic air traffic growth was more than 25 per cent. The commencement of services from the heliport is also expected to reduce congestion at the Delhi airport, which currently handles about 40-50 helicopter arrivals and departures on an average per day besides the large-scale fixed-wing operations.

The heliport will also be used for operating services for disaster management, emergency medical services, law and order surveillance, as well as a centre for the skill development of pilots and engineers. In addition, it will promote regional air connectivity through helicopters in the northern region.

Pawan Hans had successfully carried out trial sorties from the heliport in February last year and had planned to go for full-scale chopper operations from May.

Minister of state for civil aviation Jayant Sinha, Delhi lieutenant-governor Anil Baijal, and Pawan Hans CMD BP Sharma were present at the ceremony among others.