GANDHINAGAR: The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has finalized three routes in Gujarat for seaplane/amphibious aircraft operations. The routes which have been selected in the state for water aerodrome operations includes Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad to
Dharoi Dam connecting Ambaji.
While campaigning for his party during the December 2017 assembly polls in Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had travelled in a seaplane on this route which had attracted media attention from across the world. The other routes which have been finalized by the AAI for pre-feasibility study are — Sabarmati Riverfront to the Statue of Unity (
Sardar Sarovar Dam), and Tapti Riverfront in Surat to the Statue of Unity.
AAI chairman Guruprasad Mohapatra said that the sites were finalized for pre-feasibility study after checking various locations in Gujarat suitable for water aerodrome operations. “A multi-disciplinary team, comprising officials from the AAI and a private airline, will visit the identified locations shortly. We will conduct market potential as well as meteorological and hydrological studies soon. After getting the pre-feasibility reports, we will take the final call,” said Mohapatra.
The state government has proposed a new seaplane tourism policy and allocated special grants in the current budget. “The Statue of Unity figures significantly in the new tourism policy of the government. The aim is to finish the project by October 31 this year to mark his birthday. Once the 182-metre statue is constructed, tourists from all over the world would like to see this structure. The seaplanes would be of great advantage for those willing to visit the place,” said a source privy to the development.
“To promote air travels within the state, we are giving VGF (viability gap funding) and other incentives. Under the proposed seaplane tourism promotion policy in the state, we have proposed similar or more VGF for vendors starting the service in the state. We expect certain financial assistance from the government of India too,” he added.
