India's Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has proposed leveraging seaplanes to enhance connectivity in remote and underserved regions of the country. At a recent event, Scindia highlighted the unique advantages of seaplanes, particularly their ability to operate in areas with limited aviation infrastructure, by using water bodies as landing and takeoff zones.

The Minister emphasized the importance of connectivity in fostering regional development, especially in areas where conventional airfields are challenging to construct. Seaplanes, he noted, can play a transformative role in linking rural, island, and mountainous regions, thereby driving economic growth, boosting tourism, and improving access to essential services.

The government is actively exploring the feasibility of water aerodromes to support seaplane operations under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme. Initiatives like these align with the broader objective of democratizing air travel in India by making it affordable and accessible for all. Previous pilot projects, such as the seaplane service in Gujarat connecting the Sabarmati Riverfront with the Statue of Unity, have demonstrated the potential of this mode of transport.

Scindia stressed the need for collaboration between various stakeholders, including state governments, private operators, and investors, to realize the full potential of seaplanes. Plans are underway to identify suitable water bodies across India and develop infrastructure like floating jetties and terminals to support operations.

Seaplanes are not only a cost-effective solution but also an environmentally friendly alternative for connecting regions with minimal disruption to local ecosystems. Their introduction could mark a significant step toward bridging the connectivity gap in India’s vast and diverse geography, reinforcing the government’s commitment to balanced regional growth.