Prelimiry study underway on helicopter unit in Goa'

Paji, May 4: A prelimiry assessment by HAL and consultation with his ministry will decide on Goa’s feasibility for setting up a helicopter manufacturing unit, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said on Monday. Parrikar was speaking to reporters during a two-day visit to the state.

“I have told them to conduct a study and give a prelimiry report...They will decide whether it will be a helicopter manufacturing unit or a repair and overhauling facility or some component integration, and get back to me,” Parrikar said. Soon after being appointed as defence minister, Parrikar had asked Bengaluru-based Hindustan Aeroutics Limited (HAL) to examine if Goa could be made a hub for manufacturing helicopters. Parrikar now said that he had asked HAL, a government of India undertaking, to submit the prelimiry report as soon as possible, but also added that setting up of such a facility could not happen overnight. (IANS)