Helicopter service within Mizoram would be launched on the eve of the Independence Day and would be available for the public from August 16, an official statement said here today.

The statement said that the State Government has made arrangements with Pawan Hans Helicopter Ltd for the service of six-seater twin-engine Dauphin Helicopter to fly from Thuampui helipad near Aizawl to nine destinations.

The cost of flying was fixed at Rs 50 per minute and the tickets would be available in the offices of the deputy commissioners of all eight districts.

With the track records of Pawan Hans in the Northeast under scanner, the official statement said that passengers’ safety would be of paramount importance.