LAHORE: The Punjab Finance department has approved and released Rs 275.265 million funds for the repair and maintenance of MI-17 (AP-BGX) helicopter, which is in use of the Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a private TV channel reported.
The funds were being released through the supplementary grant during current financial year 2016-17, under the object ‘Repair of Helicopter’ to incur the expenditure ferry flights, unforeseen expenditures and traveling expenditures of the stage inspection team.
The Russian made MI-17 (AP-BGX) helicopter had been grounded after it completed its flying hours which according to the specifications are 1,500, and now it requires complete overhauling and repair. After the approval and release of funds from the Finance department as Bank Draft, the helicopter would now be sent to Russia for its repair and maintenance.
The Punjab government had bought this helicopter in 2004, for approximately Rs 204 million and its first overhauling was carried out in 2011 which cost around 190 million. The chief minister is currently using CESSNA aircraft in addition to the MI-17 helicopter and after the helicopter is being sent for its repair, he will be left with CESSNA aircraft.
