Mangaluru: New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) is working on a proposal to ‘heli-link’ the Mangaluru port in order to facilitate high-end tourists’ visit to destinations like Sringeri Mutt, Dharmasthala, 1000 pillars Basadi in Moodbidri, Kollur Sri Mookambika temple, Bekal Fort in Kasargod and others. If everything goes according to plan, the idea will be materialised soon and tourists arriving in cruise vessels at NMPT will be able to make visits to these popular places.
With the heli-link, the cruise passengers can explore places on their own, without having to pre-book buses and taxis. At present, the tourists are heavily reliant on road travel to visit places in Mangaluru city and Moodbidri.
NMPT chairman A V Ramana informed that there is a demand for chopper services as many tourists who arrive on cruises are not able to visit many tourists destinations in the district by road. The average cruise passenger is over 70 years of age. They expect comfort and safety during their travels. Hence, the NMPT is likely to submit a proposal to the state government in this regard shortly.
Ramana also informed that the NMPT is looking to construct a helipad near the port, from where tourists can be flown to places within a radius of 150 kilometres. Stating that the facility will bring more cruise passengers to the city and help the local economy grow, he urged the state government to identify a place for the helipad, so that private players can set up services.
The chairman said that they are working to provide dedicated road access for cruise passengers from next year. At present, the passengers and trucks use the same gate. The NMPT is also setting up a transport hub where taxis drivers can park their vehicles.
