Imphal, Aug 21 (DIPR) Chief Minister N Biren re-launched the Manipur helicopter service connecting Imphal to Jiribam, Tamenglong and Moreh, at Imphal International Airport today. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the present Government decided to introduce Manipur Heli Service so as to ease the hardships faced by the people living in remote parts of the State. He continued that the service will cater to the critical need of safe, fast and cheap means of transport for the people. The Chief Minister maintained that the Government is also planning to introduce helicopter service for the tourists which would offer sight seeing experience in the State. Under UDAN-2, the Ministry of Home Affairs has agreed to operate Manipur Heli Service connecting Imphal to Parbung and Thanlon soon, he added. Stating that the Imphal-Mandalay flight service would begin soon, the Chief Minister said that the Ministry has agreed to hold a meeting with the flight operators to materialise the plans for the International flight service. He said that the State Government had urged the Centre to increase the number of flights from Imphal to various places of the country and maintained that Imphal-Dibrugarh flight service will be introduced soon as well. The CM further announced that a new runway would be constructed at Imphal International Airport soon and added that the tender process of the project, amounting to around Rs 600 crore, is almost complete. Highlighting the Manipur Heli Service, the Chief Minister continued that the State Government has appointed M/S Global Vectra Helicorp Limited as the service provider for the service up to March 31, 2020. He said that BELL 412EP helicopter with seating capacity of 8-10 passengers will be deployed for the service. It may be mentioned that Manipur Heli Service under MHA Helicopter Service was earlier operated by Pawan Hans Ltd. Deputy Chief Minister, Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary, Commissioner (Transport), Director (Transport), Director (IPR), top civil and police officials attended the function.