Date:17/06/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/06/17/stories/2005061705860600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Work apace on Secretariat helipad

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: A Chief Minister faces emergencies almost on daily basis which require him to rush from the capital to the scene of accidents, violent incidents and natural disasters.

While the flying time from the capital to any part of the State does not usually take more than 90 minutes, reaching the Begumpet airport bristles with problems as roads leading to it are choked with traffic throughout the day. To overcome this problem, a helipad is being constructed inside the Secretariat.

Work is on for constructing the helipad on a two-acre site near the NTR Gardens. The helipad is expected to cost Rs. 1 crore and will be ready in one month.

A senior official said all attendant facilities like wind direction indicators, rooms needed for the supporting staff and illumination would be provided near the helipad.