Passengers travelling to Haldwani’s Gaulapar helipad are facing route confusion, while large political hoardings near the stadium are creating visibility problems for pilots during landing and takeoff, according to the report.
The helipad’s correct location has not been updated on Google Maps. Heritage Aviation base in-charge Gaurav Gehlot said the map lists only the company name, leaving visitors from outside the area unable to identify the correct destination.
As a result, some passengers reportedly reach the Army helipad at Tikonia instead. They then have to ask Army personnel for directions before finding the route to the Gaulapar helipad.
Missing signs and obstructive hoardings
Directional green signboards leading to the helipad have not been installed on the main roads. This has added to the difficulty faced by passengers who are unfamiliar with the area.
Gehlot also said large political hoardings near the stadium obstruct pilots’ visibility during landing and takeoff. He said complaints have been made several times, but the hoardings have not yet been removed by the administration.
City Magistrate A.P. Bajpai had assured stakeholders that the problems would be addressed. However, the report says no action has been taken on the ground so far.
Air travel demand remains strong
The access problems have continued even as demand for helicopter travel remains high after the festive period. Seats on all routes have reportedly remained full from Diwali onwards, with helicopters operating at full capacity.
Passenger numbers on the Champawat route have eased somewhat. However, heavy demand on the Pithoragarh and Munsiyari routes has led to a shortage of tickets.
Management and passengers have urged the administration to correct the helipad’s Google Maps location, install directional boards on the main roads and remove hoardings that obstruct flight operations.
Conclusion
The Gaulapar helipad faces unresolved access and visibility concerns even as helicopter services continue to see strong demand. The requested next steps are a corrected map location, roadside signs and removal of obstructive hoardings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where is the helipad discussed in the report?
The report concerns the Gaulapar helipad in Haldwani.
Q. Why are passengers getting lost?
Google Maps does not show the helipad’s correct location, and directional signboards are missing on the main roads.
Q. Where do some passengers mistakenly go?
Some passengers reach the Army helipad at Tikonia and then ask Army personnel for directions to Gaulapar.
Q. Which routes have a ticket shortage?
Tickets are reportedly difficult to obtain on the Pithoragarh and Munsiyari routes.
Q. What action has been requested?
Passengers and management have asked for the map location to be corrected, directional boards to be installed and obstructive hoardings to be removed.
