Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu said on Thursday that the Ministry is looking into the use of seaplanes in order to connect even the remotest areas of India including the North East.
Naidu, here to take part in a two day aviation conference, took a test flight on a seaplane at a demonstration held at the scenic Umiam Lake. The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma was also present.
Modi wants to integrate the North East with the mainland using the best connectivity available, whether it is by road, rail or air. After a 30-minute seaplane joyride, Naidu said that the Ministry of Civil Aviation wanted to make sure that Modi’s (Vision) vision became a reality.
He said people visit Meghalaya, and the surrounding region, for many different reasons, such a tourism, spirituality or to connect to nature.
“We are going support Meghalaya and whatever plans they have, and ensure the state is properly linked through air, be it through regular airports (seaplanes), helicopters, or regular airports.”
The Minister said that, taking inspiration from the Maldives where 110 seaplanes operate, such aircraft could revolutionize tourism, especially in Meghalaya, and other parts of North East.
Sangma stated that the Marriott Group has also invested into the state, and the hotel will open soon. Meanwhile, 1,500-2,000 new rooms are planned for the state as part of the PMEG Programme (Prime Minister’s Employment Generation). The Chief Minister has also announced that the state government will invest INR 12-15 billion in a series tourism events throughout Meghalaya during the next few months.
He also encouraged leading local manufacturers, like HAL Mahindra Aerospace and Mahindra Aerospace, to collaborate with foreign manufacturers to develop these aircraft and build them in the country.
“There are a lot of lakes like this in India and we have the chance to run seaplanes.”
The Minister said that a seaplane can connect Guwahati to Umiam Lake in just three and half hours.
He said, “India has more than 1,300 islands and more than 7,000 km coastal areas, rivers and lakes. We are ready to take advantage of the seaplanes” and announced that seaplanes would also be included in UDAN’s scheme for regional connectivity.
Conrad K. Sangma is the chief minister of the state. He has announced that the government will build a 7 star hotel near the Umiam Lake to promote tourism.
“From a tourism perspective, we are very pleased that Shillong has become one of the most desired destinations. Shillong will surpass Baku, Azerbaijan as the most desired destination for Indian travelers by 2025. He said:
“This shows the kind attention and opportunities Shillong has from a tourist perspective”
