Heli-ambulance for emergency medical service

Green corridors for transporting organs may become passe if the BBMP’s move to provide heli-ambulance services gets a positive response from private players, who are expected to invest in the project.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike plans to convert its abandoned quarries and dumping yards into helipads. According to the plan, each of the eight zones will have a helipad that is easily accessible.

“The corporation will provide the land. The private players will build the helipad and provide the service. Once the service starts, the corporation will get money through the annuity. We are planning to invite tenders, seeking expression of interest within a week,” Mayor R Sampath Raj told DH.

Sarfaraz Khan, joint commissioner, solid waste management, BBMP, said spots have been identified in Bellahalli, Bengipura, Mailasandra and Bagaluru. He said the helipad will be located strategically so that the surrounding areas in each zone can reach quickly.

Only for heli-ambulance ops

The mayor emphasised that the helipads were meant only for heli-ambulance operations.

“Several private companies were ready to invest in the project. As the congestion on roads is increasing day by day, the heli-ambulances can be life saviours,” he said.

Asked about the affordability of such a service, he said it will be cheaper than fare charged by the heli-taxi service to the airport, and added that the plan also considers the future transportation needs within the city.

“For instance, the heli-ambulance will prove to be crucial during the transportation of organs from neighbouring cities or states. Time can be saved to ensure that critical situations do not arise, which is expected even when we create a green corridor,” he said.

Unlike green corridors, the heli-ambulance will not affect the normal vehicular flow, Raj said.