Seaplanes To Take-Off: Centre Gives Approval To Waterdrome Plan; Chilika Lake, Sardar Sarovar Dam Among First

The Modi government has given in-principle approval to set up “water aerodromes” in different parts of the country, Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu said in a tweet on Saturday.

The move, Prabhu said, was aimed at boosting tourism and connecting places of religious importance throughout the country.

The government has identified Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Assam for this project. Chilka Lake in Odisha, Sabarmati River Front and Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat will get waterdromes in the first phase.

Several Indian players, including SpiceJet and the state-run Pawan Hans have unveiled plans to buy sea planes to capture the market. To make seaplanes, Mahindra Aerospace has tied up with Canada’s Viking Air. The two will be offering a wide variety of turboprops, including seaplanes, to players in India. SpiceJet, which plans to operate a mix of 100 small amphibian and non-amphibian aircraft, has signed a memorandum of understanding with a Japanese firm Setouchi Holdings.

Also Read:

Seaplanes And Ro-Ro: Why Future Of Indian Transport Lies In Taking The Plunge