DEVELOPMENT OF SEAPLANE SERVICES IN INDIA.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Ministry of Civil Aviation signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Development of Seaplane Services in India.
India’s first seaplane service started operation between Kevadia and Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad in October 2020, under Sagarmala Seaplane Services.

Important points:

This MoU envisages developing non-scheduled and scheduled operation of seaplane services within territorial jurisdiction of India.
Seaplane services will be developed as a part of the RCS-UDAN (Regional Connectivity Scheme-Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) initiative of the Civil Aviation Ministry.
The Shipping Ministry would identify and develop waterfront aerodromes and other required infrastructure.
The Civil Aviation Ministry will select potential airline operators through a bidding process. It will also incorporate the location and routes as identified by the Shipping Ministry.
This MoU will help in expediting the development of new water aerodromes and also operationalisation of new seaplane routes in India.
It will not only enhance seamless connectivity across the nation by promoting eco-friendly transportation through seaplanes but also give a boost to the tourism industry.
It will lead to an increase in tourism and hotel business at the local level. It will also serve employment to local people.
Establishment of water airports will contribute to an increase in the level of current social infrastructural facilities (healthcare, education, community housing, etc.) at the proposed sites.

SOURCE: THE HINDU,THE ECONOMIC TIMES,MINT

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