Kerala to set up heliports in all districts

The Kerala government Tuesday said it has decided to open heliports in all 14 districts of the state to facilitate tourism.

"We had earlier decided to open feeder airports in districts like Wayanad and Idukki, but faced opposition to it from the local people. Hence we have decided to drop that proposals and instead will open heliports - a facility for the smooth landing and takeoff of helicopters," Ports Minister K. Babu, who oversees the aviation needs of the state, told reporters here.

He said each heliport will come up on 10-acre plots.

"Today air travel has become the order of the day and tourism here is doing well... we feel helicopter taxi services would be good and hence we decided to go forward," said Babu.

Kerala already has three international airports already functioning. With the work agreement having been inked for a fourth one at Kannur and a fifth one proposed at Aranmula having got the environment clearance, there isn't much land left for more airports in a land-deficient state.