New Delhi: In a step towards realisation of the Seaplane project in the country, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) here, laying the road map for operationalisation of the ambitious services.
The MoU envisages development of Non Scheduled/Scheduled operation of seaplane services within territorial jurisdiction of India under RCS-UDAN scheme of government of India, an official release said.
As per the MoU, a Co-ordination Committee, with officials of MoCA, MoPSW and Ministry of Tourism (MoT), is to be set up for timely operationalisation of the Seaplane services at various locations, it said.
MoCA, MoPSW, SDCL will consider operationalising of Seaplane operating routes as identified/suggested by all agencies.
MoPSW would identify and develop water front infrastructure of Aerodromes/ locations and obtain required statutory clearances /approvals in coordination with MoCA, DGCA and AAI by defining the timelines for all activities involved in the development of facilities for starting seaplanes operations, the release said.
MoCA would carry out bidding and select potential airlines operators based on their commercial consideration through bidding process, incorporate the locations/routes as identified by MoPSW & routes identified through bidding process in UDAN scheme document, it said.
MoCA is also obliged to provide funds/financial support in respect of water aerodromes awarded under RCS-UDAN scheme and coordinate with Chief Secretaries of all States for the Seaplanes operations, the release said.
On the occasion, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated that the MoU will help in expediting the development of new water aerodromes and also operationalization of new Seaplane routes in India.
He added that this will give a big fillip to the provision of a new kind of tourism service in India.
Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Mansukh Mandaviya stated that signing of this MoU will be a game changer, both for Indian Maritime and Civil Aviation sector, as “it will not only enhance seamless connectivity across the nation by promoting eco-friendly transportation through Seaplanes but also give a boost to the tourism industry.”
