Hyderabad’s vertical growth drives call for helipads, emergency helicopter services
HYDERABAD: Aviation experts have called for urgent deployment of helicopters and helipads in Hyderabad, citing the city’s rapid vertical expansion, rising number of skyscrapers and hospitals, and increasing pressure on ground-based emergency response systems.
With Hyderabad spread over about 2,053 sq km and plagued by traffic congestion, experts said aerial support has become critical for firefighting, emergency medical services and rescue operations.
Speaking on the sidelines of Wings India 2026, experts interacting with a Journalsit said Telangana has emerged as one of the most aviation-friendly states, backed by supportive policies and infrastructure. They pointed out that helicopter component manufacturing units are already operating at Adibatla.
Traditionally used for elections, pilgrimages and VIP movement, helicopters are now increasingly required for disaster relief and rescue, experts said. They noted that aviation had long been neglected in India, but recent policy changes were giving the sector fresh momentum.
Experts also highlighted Hyderabad’s strategic advantage due to its central location and the presence of a world-class airport at Shamshabad, positioning the city as a potential cargo and e-commerce hub. India, they added, has expanded from about 75 operational airports earlier to nearly 160 now.
G. Asok Kumar, former Union secretary who also served in the ministry of civil aviation, said India would require at least 100 additional rotary-wing aircraft over the next five years due to rapid urban vertical growth. Speaking at a session on helicopters, he said Telangana should have a helipad in every district and make it mandatory for skyscrapers to include helipads for firefighting, aerial spraying and rescue operations.
Kumar underlined the growing need for air ambulances in Hyderabad, where road congestion often delays emergency response. Helicopters, he said, could play a crucial role during the “golden hour” in saving lives, and insurance companies should consider covering air ambulance services under health insurance policies.
Experts noted that helicopters have long been treated as the “poor cousin” of aviation in India. Civil helicopter numbers stood at 118 in 2000, rose to 294 by 2012, declined to 234 in 2016 and are now reviving at around 280. In contrast, the United States operates about 9,500 helicopters.
They attributed the gap to long-standing policy perceptions that aviation, especially helicopters, catered only to the wealthy — a mindset they said is now gradually changing.
