Maharashtra is set to establish its first dedicated heliport at the Hadapsar Gliding Centre in Pune.
This development is poised to bolster emergency services, expedite travel to remote areas, and stimulate tourism and economic activities in the region. On May 26, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, announced that the 230-acre Hadapsar Gliding Centre would be transferred to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to facilitate the construction of the heliport. The facility, previously managed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), was officially handed over to AAI on December 31, 2024, under a 99-year lease agreement at a nominal annual rent of ₹1.
The proposed heliport aims to serve multiple purposes, including emergency medical services, tourism, business travel, and charter operations. Its strategic location in Pune, which houses approximately 20 of India’s 235 helicopters, makes it an ideal site for such a facility. Currently, most helipads in the city are privately owned, underscoring the need for a government-managed heliport to ensure coordinated operations and safety. Former Indian Air Force officer Nitin Welde emphasized the importance of government oversight, stating that an AAI-managed heliport would provide better coordination and control compared to privately owned helipads. He likened a heliport to an airport, noting that while it lacks a runway, it accommodates multiple helipads and requires stringent management.
In addition to the heliport, plans are underway to develop a world-class aviation gallery at the Hadapsar site. This gallery will feature aircraft models, flight simulators, historical displays, and digital exhibits showcasing the history of civil and military aviation in India and globally. The integration of the heliport and the aviation gallery aims to create Maharashtra’s first integrated aviation hub, blending infrastructure, education, tourism, and cultural value. However, the transition has not been without controversy. Concerns have been raised about the potential privatisation of the Gliding Centre, which has long served as a hub for aspiring aviators. The centre offers affordable training, with flying sessions currently capped at ₹187, making aviation accessible to a broader demographic. Critics fear that privatisation could lead to increased costs and reduced accessibility for common citizens.
Union Minister Mohol has assured the public that the Gliding Centre will not be privatised. He clarified that while the facility will be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, it will remain under the management of AAI. He emphasized that the development plans are still in the early stages, with detailed planning and design to follow the land transfer.
The establishment of the heliport at Hadapsar Gliding Centre marks a pivotal moment in Maharashtra’s aviation landscape. It reflects a commitment to modernising infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, and promoting sustainable development. As the project progresses, it will be crucial to balance development with the preservation of accessible training opportunities, ensuring that the benefits of this initiative are equitably distributed among all citizens.
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