Seaplane Service In Kochi Backwaters Coming Up: Ports Ministry (image:x.com/pinarayivijayan)
Kochi: In the official twitter handle, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on November 27, Wednesday announced that seaplane services are coming up in Kochi backwaters. The Kochi backwaters belongs to National Waterway 3.
The seaplane service aims to give a leg-up to the Kerala Tourism by advancing new enterprises and creating job opportunities. The plan intended to connect between Bolgatty palace in Kochi and Mattupetty Dam in Idukki’s Munnar.
Also Read| Adani Group Responds To US Allegations, Says No Bribery Charges Against Them
📢 Seaplane in Kochi backwaters, NW3, to boost @KeralaTourism by fostering new enterprises & creating job opportunities!
📢 @IWAI_ShipMin is maintaining the Navigational channel by dredging & providing 24 hrs Navigational aids for safe movement of Barges on National Water-3. pic.twitter.com/4wFo8yvc7S
— Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (@shipmin_india) November 27, 2024
“Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is maintaining the Navigational channel by dredging & providing 24 hrs Navigational aids for safe movement of Barges on National Water-3,” Ministry said in the post.
On November 11, Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas flagged off the trial run of the State’s first seaplane service from the Bolgatty Palace Waterdrome. The service has been launched under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN of the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), The scheme aimed at increasing the connectivity of the airports and the backwaters of Kerala.
Also Read | Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Begins; Here Is What To Know
According to the Minister, Kerala places top priority on enhancing connectivity, as it plays a vital role in the growth of tourism sector. “The launch of heli-tourism is a significant step in this direction, making our destinations more accessible for quick, seamless travel. Additionally, the expansion of motorable roads connecting even the remotest parts of Kerala ensures that tourists can now reach far-off locations with ease, enjoying scenic routes along the way,” the Minister said.
The seaplane project offers a lot of prospects to the tourism sector due to the presence of ample water bodies in Kerala. Aside from Bolgatty and Mattupetty, plans are progressing to set up waterdromes in Kovalam, Vembanad, Ashtamudi, Punnamada, Kumarakom, Malambuzha and Bekal.
