In a first-of-its-kind service in the country, a ‘heli-taxi’ mode of transport would soon be introduced for the benefit of Bangaloreans.

Under the system, passengers who are to board international and domestic flights at the Kempe Gowda International Airport in Bangalore would be ‘air-lifted’ by offering them helicopter rides from far-away parts of the city to reach the Airport in time. The helicopter, part of the ‘heli-taxi’ serice, is likely to take only 15-20 minutes to reach the Airport from outer side when compared to the time of 2 hours taken by taxis.

The Airport is situated on the northern-most tip of the city and anyone who wants to rush to the Airport from the southern-most ‘Electronic City’ finds it extremely difficult to negotiate the traffic and reach the Airport. The ride takes not less than two hours. In order to save people of the torture of road-travel to reach the Airport, ‘heli-taxi’ services are to be introduced in Bangalore for the first time in the country.

Many firms vied at the tender to launch the heli-taxi services and one firm managed to get it and is likely to commence the heli-taxi services from the first week of March. Two shifts would be followed in heli-taxi services to begin with: 06:30 to 09:30 a.m. in the morning and 03:00 p.m. to 06:15 p.m. in the evening.

A maximum of six persons can travel during a single trip and 15 kg luggage would be allowed inside the chopper; if the luggage weights more, it would be brought to the Airport by road. One ride for a person has been put at Rs.4130/- (including GST, of course)!