MoU For 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.
- This MoU envisages developing non-scheduled and scheduled operation of seaplane services within the 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 operationalization 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.
- The 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.
