Mumbai : The Maharashtra government is set to launch a Mumbai Darshan Helicopter from January 7 this year. This ride will enable citizens to enjoy the aerial view of Mumbai and its surrounding waters.
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) and Pawan Hans signed an agreement to this effect in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday.
The helicopter flights will take off from Juhu airport and fly north, keeping to the city’s west so as not to interfere with air traffic to and from the Mumbai airport. These rides will cost citizens a basic fare of Rs 320 per minute excluding taxes. A 10-minute inaugural launch ride will cost about Rs 3,200, per person.
“Gradually, we will expand the tours to south Mumbai and then to Matheran, Murud-Janjira, Aurangabad (Ajanta-Ellora), Nashik, Shirdi, Konkan beaches and Tadoba forest.”
Paraag Jaiin Nainuttia, Managing Director of MTDC, said at the launch: “Initially two choppers will be in service for Mumbai Darshan. Mumbai has the most amazing skyline, an impressive and breathtaking view. There are many tourist spots, which look outstanding from an aerial view. The idea is to provide an enthralling experience to the tourists and boost potential tourism in state.”
“Gradually, we will expand rides and tours to south Mumbai and then to Matheran, Murud-Janjira, Aurangabad (Ajanta-Ellora), Nashik, Shirdi, Konkan beaches and Tadoba forest near Nagpur,” he added.
