Tourists may soon have aerial view of Mumbai

Tourists will soon get to have an aerial view of Mumbai from a helicopter, thanks to Maharashtra Tourism Dvelopment Corporation (MTDC) and Pawan Hans Ltd.

The scheme, Mumbai Darshan, initially with two choppers, would be launched on January 7.

The helicopters will take off from the Juhu airport and fly northwards, on the western side of the city to avoid interference with the air traffic at the Mumbai airports.

"A base formula of around Rs.320 per minute, plus taxes, has been arrived at between the state government and PHL, for the Mumbai Darshan. Initially, two choppers will be deployed and it will be gradually increased," MTDC managing director P.J. Nainuttia said.

He added that subsequently the rides and tours would include South Mumbai, Matheran, Murud-Janjira, Ajanta-Ellora at Aurangabad, Nashik, Shirdi, the pristine beaches of Konkan and the Tadoba forest near Nagpur.

According to officials, the rides will attract tourists who have limited time in hand but want to explore Mumbai and other parts of the state quickly.