The Bengal transport department on Tuesday conducted a trial run of a helicopter in the hill town of Mirik, much to the elation of local residents.

Around 9.45am, the chopper landed at the helipad in Mirik, located around 50km from here, after it took off from Bagdogra.

“The Flying Training Institute (located at Behala in Calcutta) conducted the trial run according to the decision of the state transport department. The chopper landed at Mirik; and then took off, flew to and landed at Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Gangtok. We believe it was a successful trial run and will pave the way for the introduction of services in the hills,” Mirik subdivisional officer Sudipta Debnath said.

As the sound of the rotor became audible and the blue chopper was seen descending at the hill town, a number of residents rushed to the helipad, which is perched on a hilltop, next to Alley Ground.

“We have heard from elders that it was probably in the nineties that a chopper had landed at the helipad in our town. Since then, the helipad has become a tourist attraction as a bird’s eye view of Mirik can be seen from here. Many people who visit the town take a trip here to click photos. We hope in due course, the helipad will be functional in the true sense,” said Rajesh Lama, a local youth.

After chief minister Mamata Banerjee assumed office, she stressed the need to develop infrastructure and introduce air services across the state. On one hand, she has insisted that the Centre initiate flight services from airports like Malda, Cooch Behar, and Balurghat. On the other hand, Mamata has underscored the need to start chopper services to connect different cities and towns.

“The trial run indicates that the state wants to start helicopter services in the hills. It can boost the inflow of tourists and can also help in ferrying patients,” L.B. Rai, the chairman of the board of administrators at the Mirik municipality, said.