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Seaplane services are set to transform travel and tourism in Northeast India. A successful test run was recently conducted in Guwahati, Assam, where a seaplane landed at Pandu Port on the Brahmaputra River after taking off from LGBI Airport. This marked the first-ever river landing in Eastern India and a historic moment for Assam. Tourism Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah and Guwahati Mayor Mrigen Sarania experienced the seaplane ride, showcasing strong local support for the project.
The seaplane, manufactured by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada and managed by SpiceJet, is expected to enhance transportation and tourism in Assam and neighboring states like Meghalaya. Another test run was conducted at Umiam Lake, Meghalaya, jointly organized by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Meghalaya Transport Department. The event was attended by Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, highlighting the central and state governments' commitment to the initiative.
Expanding Seaplane Routes
The project aims to connect major tourist and remote locations in the region. Plans include extending services to Tura in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills and tourist destinations in Assam like Kaziranga, Majuli, and Umrangso. Seaplanes are especially suitable for regions with limited infrastructure as they can take off and land on water, providing an efficient travel option in difficult terrains.
Union Minister Naidu emphasized the government's vision to improve connectivity in the Northeast, using seaplanes to bridge geographical challenges. The introduction of seaplanes could also boost tourism by offering a unique travel experience.
Feasibility and Future Plans
Chief Minister Sangma noted that water bodies must meet specific conditions, such as being at least 200 meters long and five meters deep, for seaplane operations. With Meghalaya's abundant rainfall, creating suitable water bodies is feasible. Sangma suggested constructing dams for seaplane landings at a cost of about ₹15 lakhs, making the project economically viable.
Assam's Tourism Minister Mallabaruah expressed optimism about starting seaplane services within six to twelve months. Efforts are underway to expedite the process and make this innovative transport solution a reality.
Nationwide Interest
Seaplane trials have also been conducted in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, showcasing nationwide interest in this unique mode of transportation. For the Northeast, the initiative holds promise to improve connectivity, promote tourism, and strengthen integration with the rest of India.
