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Malpe: In a bid to boost tourism in the state, helicopters belonging to Chipsan Aviation from Kerala will operate on a trial basis at Malpe; the facility was inaugurated on Monday.
 
At present, the facility will be available for only two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. The helipad near the Malpe fish market will be used for the purpose.
 
The district administration plans to promote tourism and initiated this facility; the other helipads available nearby are at Mangaluru, Karkala, and Kollur.

Sources say that heli-tourism would be a success as there were several beaches with recreational facilities.

Presently, the charge is Rs 3,000 for a ten-minute ride. An understanding with institutions has reduced the cost for students to Rs 2,600 if they produce their ID cards. Bookings have to be done one day in advance and the trip would begin after all six seats were full.

Sources have stated the time taken to reach various helipads around the coastline: 20 minutes to Mangaluru, 16 minutes to Kollur, 40 minutes to Murdeshwar and 30 minutes to Dharmasthala.
 
Several dignitaries visited the spot and took a test ride. However, it is learnt that when Deputy Commissioner of Udupi Dr Vishal R reached the helipad on Monday, NCC officer Avadhesh Kumar refused to open the gate. Dr Vishal then instructed the Superintendent of Police to take action against the officer for refusing to follow the DC’s instructions.