Mohali's VIP Helipad Faces Operational Hurdles Due to Airport Proximity
The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) constructed a temporary VIP helipad in Phase 8 during the first week of January, strategically located opposite its office and near the Vikas Bhavan guest house of Punjab's Rural Development and Panchayats Department. However, this newly built facility has not seen a single helicopter landing since its completion, raising questions about its practicality and planning.
Flight Line Conflict Creates Major Operational Challenges
Government sources have revealed that the helipad's location falls directly within the "flight line" of Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, a defence airport in Mohali. This positioning creates significant operational hurdles for any helicopter operations. Every landing and take-off requires prior approval from the Indian Air Force (IAF), a process described by officials as "tiring" and time-consuming.
"The helipad is in the flight line. There are several flights landing at the Mohali airport every day. If we land a chopper at the helipad, there will be a wait of at least three to four hours. Even then, permission from the Indian Air Force will be required," explained a government source familiar with the developments.
Complex Approval Process Hinders Usage
The approval protocol involves multiple layers of bureaucracy. According to established procedures, either the Deputy Commissioner or the Department of Civil Aviation, Punjab, must inform IAF authorities about each planned take-off and landing. Subsequently, the airport authorities must be notified to ensure the air funnel remains clear for both commercial and IAF flights.
An official emphasized that while helipads can technically be constructed anywhere, consulting relevant authorities beforehand is crucial to avoid such technical complications. The official added, "After landing, another approval is needed to take off from the same point," highlighting the dual-layer permission requirement that further complicates operations.
Construction Details and Political Context
GMADA constructed the temporary helipad using pavers, with Chief Engineer Ajay Garg explaining that this decision followed recent rainfall that left the site uneven and marshy. "The soil condition made it difficult to ensure a stable landing surface. To provide a firm and safe base for helicopter operations, pavers were used for the helipad," Garg stated.
The construction, which cost approximately Rs 1.75 lakh according to GMADA, attracted particular attention because Vikas Bhavan frequently hosts Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal during his Punjab visits. Garg clarified that the construction was temporary and involved minimal expenditure, though the facility's unusability raises questions about resource allocation.
Location Proximity Creates Regulatory Constraints
Since the helipad is situated less than 15 kilometers from Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, a senior airport official confirmed that every helicopter movement requires IAF clearance. This regulatory requirement, combined with the three to four hour waiting period for flight line clearance, essentially renders the helipad impractical for VIP movements that typically require swift and flexible scheduling.
The Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson was unavailable for comment regarding the helipad's construction and subsequent operational challenges. The situation highlights the importance of inter-agency coordination in infrastructure projects, particularly those involving aviation facilities near defence installations.
