Rose Festival: Chopper ride to cost Rs 1,700, lowest ever

Sandeep Rana
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, February 17

People have a reason to cheer as they can enjoy a chopper ride at the lowest-ever cost of Rs 1,700 per person during the Rose Festival from February 28 to March 1.

Last year, the fare was Rs 2,310 and before that it was Rs 2,380 in 2018. The civic body today finalised the price through an open auction held at the MC office. MC officials said Bathinda Amusement Park bagged the deal to offer the rides through three choppers.

Heritage Aviation offered a bid of Rs 2,600, while Sar Aviation quoted Rs 1,750. It was also agreed that the firm will give 8 per cent of the revenue to the MC. It was 5 per cent earlier. Besides, every rider will be insured with a cover of Rs 50 lakh by the company like last year.

“We negotiated with the company and brought the price down. Thus, there will be maximum public participation. Besides, the firm will pay us 8 per cent revenue,” Additional Commissioner Anil Kumar Garg told Chandigarh Tribune. During the Rose Festival last year, two choppers ferried 8,324 passengers through 152 total rides in three days. “This time, there will be an atmosphere of celebration.

We expect more people to show interest due to the low fare and increased awareness about chopper rides,” said MC official. The helicopters will arrive at the Parade Ground on February 27 before sunset. These will start rides from February 28 from 9 am till sunset for three days. The helicopters will fly from the Sector 17 Parade Ground and go over the Sector 17 Plaza, Sukhna Lake, Rose Garden and then return to the place of take-off. The ride around Chandigarh will take six to seven minutes. It provides a beautiful view of Chandigarh. People will be able to pay at the counters at the Parade Ground.

“Two helicopters will fly at a time and one will be on a standby. Whenever there is rush, the third one will be used,” said an official.