Helipads for VVIP transport more imperative now

Helipads for VVIP transport more imperative now
The Times of India

Bangalore: The attack on scientists at IISc, Bangalore has brought to the fore the issue of security for VVIPs travelling on Bangalore’s congested roads.

With the number of foreign delegations to various IT companies and other industries increasing, the traffic police had proposed readying 10 helipads in the city to cut the security risk to VIPs. But till date, nothing seems to have moved in the direction.

DCP (Traffic) Basavara Y Malgathi said it is difficult to provide proper security to delegates on the busy roads. It will be ideal to have helipads at sensitive institutions like ISRO, BEL Circle, HMT, Bangalore University (Jnanabharathi campus), ITPL Park-KR Puram, Electronics City-Hosur Road, Yelahanka Air Force Station, Raj Bhavan, Vidhana Soudha and at prominent five-star hotels.

The helipads can also be used by the chief minister during his visits to travels to New Delhi and other states, and while moving around within the city. The chief minister’s route needs to be cleared of any traffic for security reasons and this results in traffic jams around the city. This problem can be avoided if there are helipads around the city. The police suggest that a separate helipad be put up at Central Jail Grounds, BRV Grounds, Race Course or Manekshaw Grounds, so that access to the Airport too is convenient.