Haryana govt to purchase four aircraft

The Haryana government will soon purchase four aircraft worth over Rs 40 crore, the state's Civil Aviation Minister Rao Narbir Singh said here today.

"To impart ultra-modern flying training facilities to the youth in the state, Haryana government will soon purchase three small Cessna-172 S JTA training aircrafts. Besides, a 10-seater King Air B-250 aircraft would also be purchased," he said.

The minister said that over Rs 3.16 crore would be spent on purchase of the three small Cessna-172 S JTA training aircraft.

"The 10-seater King Air B-250 aircraft would be purchased at an estimated cost of USD 62,50,000 (over Rs 40 crore), which was presently being used by the government in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttrakhand, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh," he was quoted as saying in an official release.

Presently, the Haryana government has a twin-engine helicopter to provide air services to the governor, chief minister and other dignitaries, he said, adding, "The government had purchased an aircraft in 2005, which crashed at Chandigarh airport soon after taking off."