New Delhi, Feb 27: Kerala is gearing up to introduce seaplane operations across its dams and backwaters to enhance tourism connectivity in the state. In its Budget for 2025-26, the state government has allocated ₹20 crore to develop seaplane tourism, heliports, and airstrips, reinforcing its commitment to infrastructure expansion in the tourism sector.
Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas highlighted the state’s focus on utilizing its vast network of dams for seaplane operations. “Kerala has many dams, such as the Malampuzha dam in Palakkad district, which could be effectively used for seaplane services. We focus on enabling dam-to-dam connectivity, and discussions have been held with multiple departments to facilitate this initiative,” he said.
While the government will be a facilitator, the minister stressed that private investments would be encouraged in the seaplane and heli-tourism sectors. He also noted that discussions have been held with the central government regarding the project, as the Union Civil Aviation Ministry is actively working to promote seaplanes by offering viability gap funding and simplifying regulations.
Seaplanes, amphibious aircraft capable of taking off and landing on water, are being explored alongside helicopters and small aircraft to improve accessibility to Kerala’s key tourist destinations. Finance Minister K N Balagopal emphasized the state's abundant water bodies, including backwaters, as potential hubs for seaplane operations.
These developments were discussed during the Investor Kerala Global Summit in Kochi, where Kerala’s tourism potential was a key focus. The state attracted over 2.22 crore tourists in 2024, a 21% increase from pre-pandemic levels.
Kerala intends to leverage the central government’s UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) regional air connectivity scheme as part of its tourism expansion plan. In addition to the ₹20 crore allocation for tourism-related air infrastructure, the Budget has earmarked ₹50 lakh each for preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for airstrips in Idukki, Wayanad, and Kasaragod. Furthermore, ₹50 crore has been designated for developing seaplane water aerodrome facilities and small aircraft landing infrastructure in collaboration with the UDAN project.
With these ambitious plans, Kerala aims to solidify its position as a top tourism destination, providing enhanced accessibility and unique travel experiences for visitors.
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