Naidu Launches Seaplane, Vows to Develop Tourism in AP

 Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched the demonstration of operating a seaplane service between Vijayawada and Srisailam on Saturday, underlining that the tourism sector in Andhra Pradesh is poised to take a significant leap in AP.

Speaking on the occasion, he asserted that the TDP-led NDA alliance government is giving top priority to exploit the state’s untapped tourism potential, thereby generating large-scale employment opportunities, apart from contributing to the state’s economy.

The seaplane demonstration between Vijayawada and Srisailam is part of union civil aviation ministry’s UDAN-RCS scheme in collaboration with AP Airports Development Corporation Limited and AP Tourism Development Corporation.

Chandrababu Naidu, union civil aviation minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, infrastructure and investment minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy and tourism minister Kandula Durgesh boarded the seaplane, which took off over Krishna waters upstream of Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada and proceeded to Srisailam.

The Chief Minister said the state government will provide all necessary support to develop hotels, tourist spots and transportation facilities to promote tourism in a big way. He pointed out that tourism industry offers the highest return on investment, with up to six times the original investment, when compared to any other sector.

Chandrababu Naidu said: “The introduction of water-based air transport will significantly enhance access to scenic tourist spots in Andhra Pradesh. Breath taking locations like Gandikota, considered the Grand Canyon of India, are waiting to be explored, along with the serene and lush green Konaseema, the world-renowned Araku coffee plantations, and the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, which is the best tiger safari park. These places will soon be connected with seaplanes.”

Highlighting the importance of law and order for tourism growth, the Chief Minister vowed to eradicate rowdyism and maintain law and order in the state.

Never faced such difficulty:

Chandrababu Naidu said he has served as Chief Minister three times in the past and has assumed office for the fourth time. But he has never faced the amount of difficulty he is doing now. “Lopsided governance of the previous YSRC regime has left the state's financial condition in a precarious position. Image of AP has suffered with pothole-ridden roads and towns resembling garbage dumps,” he remarked.

The CM asserted that the NDA alliance government will take the responsibility for rebuilding the state despite the financial challenges it is facing.