"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
3 Oct 2019
The Northeast abound in natural flora and fauna and water bodies outlined with beautiful scenery which makes it a popular tourist destination. Soon the beauty of this place can be easily and frequently accessed as the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has a plan to introduce seaplanes (water aerodrome) in the Northeast.
A seaplane is an aircraft that is capable of taking off and landing on water. The AAI has identified three locations in Assam where seaplanes can be operated - Guwahati, Umrangso (in Dima Hasao district) and the famous Kaziranga National Park. This project will not only help to boost tourism, but also will help in the connectivity within the state.
Executive Director, AAI, Sanjeev Jindal said that there are plans to launch the seaplane services in the Brahmaputra river and Umrangso reservoir by 2021. The cost of construction of this facility would be approximately 50 crores as it would involve building three jetties in the three identified locations. The seaplanes will use an open area of water for take-off and landing and they could be connected to the terminal building on land where the pilot may dock the seaplane in the manner of a ship.
The Union government’s plan under the UDAN scheme was to launch seaplanes in multiple locations like the Guwahati riverfront, Umrangso reservoir, Kaziranga National Park, Nagarjuna Sagar, Sabarmati riverfront, Shatrunjay Dam and Statue of Unity.
