Government Advances Seaplane Operations with Feasibility Studies

The government has carried out techno-economic feasibility studies in various locations, including Lakshadweep, for seaplane operations. The Ministry for Ports, Shipping and Waterways highlights efforts to establish jetty facilities. Seaplane operations are part of the UDAN scheme and aim to boost regional air connectivity and tourism, among other sectors.

The government has completed a series of techno-economic feasibility studies across various locations, including Lakshadweep, to initiate seaplane operations. A senior official revealed that efforts are underway to establish jetty facilities to support these aircraft.

Highlighting key achievements in the first 100 days of the third term of the NDA government, TK Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), stated that the ministry is primarily focused on providing the necessary jetty infrastructure for seaplane operations.

"We have conducted feasibility studies in several places, including the Andaman Islands, Lakshadweep, and West Bengal, among others. These reports have provided us with insights on how to proceed further," Ramachandran explained. Last month, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced plans to extend the regional air connectivity scheme by another ten years and provide viability gap funding for seaplane operations.

"We are working in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Ministry to turn this into reality," Ramachandran added. The seaplane operations, promoted under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, not only aim to enhance tourism but also hold potential for research, environmental monitoring, coastal resource management, and island defense.

In a notable event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi traveled on India's first seaplane from the Sabarmati River to the Dharoi Dam in Gujarat on December 12, 2017. Additionally, budget carrier SpiceJet conducted seaplane trials off the Mumbai coast on December 9, 2017. Countries like the US, Canada, and Japan already have regulations in place for seaplane operations.

(With inputs from agencies.)