Rajasthan: Army helicopters land on Bharatmala highway near Pakistan border
Jaipur, Sep 29
Indian Army helicopters on Tuesday landed and took off from a designated stretch of the Bharatmala National Highway-911 near Dantaur in Bikaner district as part of an operational exercise.
The drill took place in the desert region, about 80 km from the India-Pakistan border, and lasted around 30 minutes.
Army officials said the exercise aimed to test the helicopters' landing and takeoff capabilities on highways and other non-conventional sites during emergencies.
Pilots carried out controlled landing and takeoff procedures within the marked stretch of the highway, using helicopters including the Rudra, Dhruv and Chetak.
Teams factored in surface conditions, wind direction and speed, visibility and safety requirements. Coordination between aircrew and ground personnel was a key part of the drill, providing practical experience operating from non-conventional landing sites in challenging desert conditions.
Highways can serve as alternative landing zones when conventional airfields or helipads are unavailable. Surendra Barupal, a Chhattargarh police official, said traffic on the highway was stopped in both directions while the Army conducted the exercise.
The Indian Army operates the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), armed Rudra and Chetak helicopters for roles including troop movement, logistics, surveillance and support operations.
The exercise was intended to enhance operational flexibility and familiarise personnel with procedures for using road infrastructure as landing sites, particularly in remote areas where aviation facilities may be limited.
The drill underscored the Army's preparedness to adapt to unconventional operational requirements, ensuring that helicopters can be deployed quickly and effectively in diverse terrains and emergencies.
— IANS
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