Centre Asks Kerala to Submit Detailed Plan for Seaplane Project

Speedy Summary:

• The Center has requested Kerala to submit a detailed project report (DPR) for five proposed seaplane routes connecting major waterbodies in the state.
• Identified sites include Idukki dam, malampuzha dam, Banasura Sagar dam, Mattupetty/Chenkulam dam, and bekal.
• Kerala is consulting KIIFCON-RITES to conduct feasibility studies and assist in preparing the DPR within three months.
• The initiative falls under the Centre’s UDAN 5.5 – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (Regional Connectivity Scheme).
• Kerala previously submitted a list of around 10 waterbodies for setting up necessary infrastructure for seaplane services.
• Budget allocations: ₹20 crore designated for tourism connectivity schemes like seaplanes; ₹50 crore allocated specifically for aerodrome facilities and small landing areas under UDAN.
• Prosperous test flights conducted last year at Kochi backwaters and Mattupetty Dam boosted optimism about the project’s viability.
• Across India, a total of 32 valid seaplane routes have been approved connecting locations in Gujarat, Assam, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Goa, himachal Pradesh among others; operations on these routes are yet to start.

Indian opinion Analysis:

The move to establish seaplane services under the UDAN scheme marks a meaningful step towards enhancing regional connectivity and fostering tourism development. For Kerala-a state renowned for its backwaters-the incorporation of such aerial waterways could bolster economic growth through increased tourist inflow while diversifying transport options. Though, careful attention must be given to ecological sustainability due to potential environmental concerns tied to aviation activities near sensitive ecosystems.

Operationalizing these routes will also serve as a litmus test for how feasible large-scale deployment of eco-tourism-oriented transport solutions truly is across India. Moreover, successful implementation would bring competitiveness among states seeking similar initiatives under regional connectivity programs. While adequate funding has been allocated by both state and central budgets thus far-focus should remain on ensuring financial oversight during execution stages.

The strategic decision-making expressed through consultations wiht KIIFCON-RITES demonstrates that informed planning remains core toward realizing this vision effectively within stipulated timelines-a necessity as aviation-linked tourism becomes increasingly important in India’s broader development narrative.

For more details: Read more