Chopper for CM: Kerala spent over Rs 46cr, arrears pending

T'puram: Even as the state faces a deepening fiscal crisis, state govt's spending on hiring helicopters for chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan's travels has come under sharp focus, with official figures showing that Rs 46.36 crore having been spent so far.The helicopter rent from Feb 20 to March 19 remains unpaid, with police department — tasked with handling these payments — citing lack of available funds for the pending liability. A response from police headquarters confirms that insufficient allocation is the reason for the arrears.The state currently hires helicopters from Delhi-based Chipsan Aviation under a leasing arrangement for a monthly rental of Rs 80 lakh, covering up to 25 hours of flying time. Any usage beyond this limit attracts an additional charge of Rs 90,000 per hour. Officials indicate that frequent utilisation and additional flying hours have significantly pushed up the total expenditure. Prior to this arrangement, govt relied on services from Pawan Hans Ltd for chief minister's travel.Data over the years show sharp fluctuations in spending on helicopter services. In 2019-20, state spent Rs 1,70,63,000, followed by Rs 16,49,49,648 in 2020-21. The expenditure dropped to Rs 4,12,50,119 in 2021-22, and no amount was recorded in 2022-23 when the service was not operational. Spending resumed in 2023-24 with Rs 3,20,00,000, rising further to Rs 8,83,79,451 in 2024-25, before touching Rs 12,00,00,000 in 2025-26, contributing to the cumulative outgo of Rs 46.36 crore.State police hiring choppers began in 2020. After the initial contract expired, govt, through a fresh tender process in 2022, selected Chipsan Aviation to continue the service, but the decision was subsequently put on hold. Cabinet cleared the proposal to rehire helicopter services only in March 2023, paving the way for the current arrangement.The mounting expenditure, while state's financial condition is worsening, has raised questions about fiscal prioritisation, especially when even routine contractual payments are being deferred. The inability to settle a single month's dues despite a long-standing contract is being seen as indicative of the strain on state's finances."At a time when state is facing acute resource constraints, spending such a substantial monthly commitment on helicopter hiring warrants rigorous scrutiny. A proper audit is essential to assess the cost-benefit and ensure that public funds are being utilised for public benefit rather than pandering to vanity," said senior IAS officer N Prasanth. Chief minister's helicopter travel has not been without controversy in the past. In the aftermath of Cyclone Ockhi in 2018, criticism surfaced over the use of helicopters, prompting CM's office to issue a clarification. Statement then maintained that aerial travel was essential for rapid assessment, coordination of rescue efforts and reaching inaccessible coastal regions during disasters.