In a major boost to Kerala's tourism sector, on November 10, 2024, a nine-seater de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter landed at the Bolgatty Waterdrome after departing from Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. The seaplane departed from Vijayawada, refuelled at Cochin International Airport, and landed at the waterdrome, where it was welcomed with a water salute to mark the occasion.
Tourism Secretary K Biju, Aviation Secretary Biju Prabhakar, the District Collector N S K Umesh, State Tourism Additional Director P Vishnuraj and representatives from various tourism organisations welcomed the amphibious aircraft.
The State Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas also flagged off the service of the 17-seater plane to Mattupetty Dam on November 11. The seaplane service, which comes under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN of the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), aims to enhance connectivity across Kerala’s four airports and backwaters, offering subsidised fares.
The service will use small planes with capacities of nine, 15, 17, 20 and 30 seats, with passengers boarding from waterdromes that float on water. Tourism Secretary Biju said the seaplane service offers an excellent opportunity for stakeholders, with a new package that covers various tourist destinations."It will help create new enterprises in the tourism sector, generating employment opportunities," he said.
A Switzerland-based private company and SpiceJet will operate the de Havilland Canada planes. Top officials from Cochin Port Trust, the Indian Navy and de Havilland Canada visited the locations and assessed logistical challenges. Feasibility and hydrographic surveys have also been completed before the launch to ensure smooth services.
Waterdromes may also be established around major water bodies in all districts. In addition to Bolgatty and Mattupetty, locations under consideration include Kovalam, Ashtamudi, Punnamada, Kumarakom, Vembanad, Malampuzha and Bekal. The goal is to keep travel time under any two destinations to within 30 minutes. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the four international airports and the hinterland.
For travellers, the estimated cost of a seaplane ride on the Kochi-Munnar route will be between INR 3,000 and INR 4,000. While this may seem close to the average road fare, it offers substantial time savings and a more comfortable journey. At present, only the launch and trial run of the seaplane has taken place. The authorities have not yet released the package cost and other details.
(With inputs from multiple news sources)