The Ministry of Civil Aviation plans to introduce seaplane flights under the UDAN 5.5 project in an effort to increase tourism and enhance regional connectivity. Multiple water bodies in Maharashtra, including Pune, Nashik, and Nagpur, will be covered by the program. It will also reach neighboring states including Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep.
Proposed Seaplane Locations in Maharashtra:
- Pawana Dam – Pune
- Gangapur Dam – Nashik
- Khindsi & Pench Dams (Parshivani) – Nagpur
- Dhom Dam – Wai
- Koradi Dam – Mehkar
- Coastlines of Ganpatipule and Ratnagiri
The Maharashtra Airport Development Corporation (MADC) has submitted a proposal to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Civil Aviation Ministry, recommending these locations for seaplane services. The aim is to operate 150 seaplane routes across India by December this year.
Supported by Viability Gap Funding (VGF), these routes, which will be operated by aircraft like De Havilland Canada seaplanes, are anticipated to cost between Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,000 per passenger. Private operators such as IndiGo and Pawan Hans have shown interest in managing these new routes.
The project, which transforms traditional regional airports into water aerodromes, is characterized by aviation experts as UDAN’s important next step. UDAN has now enabled more than 1.44 crore passenger journeys with more than 600 itineraries and 71 airports, including two water aerodromes.
Officials believe the scheme will improve access to remote and scenic areas, boost tourism, and provide economic benefits to smaller towns. A senior aviation department official noted, “Seaplane connectivity has the potential to transform travel in Maharashtra, where many tourist hotspots lie near large water bodies.”
Launched in 2016, the UDAN scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) seeks to make air travel accessible and affordable for all. The latest UDAN 5.5 phase strengthens last-mile connectivity, especially to areas not served by traditional airports.
