Sabarmati riverfront, Sardar Patel dam, Dharoi dam to cononect Ambaji, Palitana and Tapi recognized by AAI to develop water aerodromes
Five popular spots in Gujarat are 'feasible' for seaplane projects, said a report by Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Sunday.
If everything goes smoothly, the seaplanes will start from Sabarmati riverfront, from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in 2017, had a stint on a seaplane, leaving the country mesmerised. Modi was widely criticised for using the seaplane as an election stint. The aviation experts, however, have now promptly sent a technical team last June to study the feasibility of the programme.
Sabarmati riverfront, Sardar Patel dam, Dharoi dam to cononect Ambaji, Palitana and Tapi have been recognized to develop water aerodromes. AAI will soon get on the task of looking into the nitty-gritty details.
Nearly 800 to 900 metres of space will be required for a plane to land in water.
"As per new notification of DGCA, commercial airlines need to have a twin engine if they want to operate. Whereas, the charter service can run on single engine. We have found eight sites in India, including five in Gujarat, as feasible to start seaplane project," AAI Chairman Guruprasad Mohapatra said.
Mohapatra also said they have sent an opinion to the ministry and sought details from the Gujarat government about security issues.
"We need more data to develop the water aerodromes. The water level should be at least 6 feet and at least 2 acres of land are required for terminal building and some parking space for vehicles. We want some more confirmation from state government on security related mechanisms only then we can go ahead," he said, adding that it appears SpiceJet is keen to start seaplanes.
In January, 2017, DNA had reported that the government had planned seaplane connectivity — wherever there is a water body — across Gujarat.
An MoU was signed between Gujarat State Aviation Infrastructure Company Ltd (GUJSAIL) and Supreme Airlines to promote the new mode of transport.
Captain Akash Agarwal, vice-president of Supreme Airlines, had earlier said, "We will start operations by April, 2017, from the Sabarmati riverfront. Aviation enthusiasts can enjoy joy rides or use it to commute to tourist spots surrounded by water. We will invest Rs 40 crore. As of now, we operate in Rajasthan."
However, since there has been no talks this since then. Sources in aviation sector say the tendering process for seaplane connectivity is yet to be undertaken.
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Nearly 800 to 900 metres of space will be required for a plane to land in water.
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