Helicopter Leased for Chief Minister’s Travel Amid State’s Financial Crisis

The government’s decision to rent a helicopter for the Chief Minister, despite the state’s severe financial challenges, has drawn attention. A formal lease agreement with a private company has been approved, amounting to a monthly rent of Rs 80 lakh. The helicopter is expected to arrive in the capital within a fortnight.

Initially introduced in 2020, the helicopter’s lease was not renewed after its expiration, following criticism of unnecessary extravagance by the government. After a gap of two and a half years, the helicopter is making a comeback to serve the Chief Minister. The decision to reinstate this service was reached during an assembly meeting last March.

Chipsan Aviation, a private company based in Delhi, is responsible for leasing out the helicopter. The rental fee for 20 hours of flight time is Rs 80 lakhs, with an additional charge of Rs 90,000 per hour for any flying beyond that duration. The helicopter can accommodate up to 11 individuals, including the pilot.

While it’s explained that the helicopter’s intended purpose includes police operations like Maoist surveillance and disaster relief efforts, it will primarily be utilized for the Chief Minister’s travel needs. Plans are in motion to have the helicopter stationed in Thiruvananthapuram by the first week of the upcoming month.