AP planning to introduce seaplanes to enhance tourism

Kurnool: Andhra Pradesh government is planning to introduce seaplanes as part of its tourism enhancement strategy. Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation Limited (APADCL) is spearheading this project.

Inspired by Gujarat's seaplane service on Sabarmati River, AP government has tasked senior officials of various departments, including tourism, revenue, forest, fisheries and water resources, to conduct a preliminary study.

Under the guidance of Orvakal Airport project engineer Amrit Kumar, they inspected the surface of the Krishna River at Srisailam, taking necessary measurements for the seaplane project.

Members of the inspection team travelled from the SLBC tunnel to the Srisailam reservoir upstream to evaluate the feasibility of the project. They found that the area is suitable for an aerodrome, where seaplanes can land.

While planning the aerodrome on water, officials will ensure that the livelihood of local fishermen, who depend on fishing in the reservoir, is not disturbed.

A detailed project report (DPR) is under preparation. It will feature the feasibility of the aerodrome on Srisailam reservoir water and assess ground realities before moving forward.

Officials are also planning to conduct surveys at Prakasam Barrage and Nagarjuna Sagar.

The state government is planning to introduce seaplanes from Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada, connecting to Nagarjuna Sagar via the Krishna River, which flows downstream from Srisailam.

Tourism packages are being considered to offer seaplane services in future along this river route. As part of it, the government is exploring the potential for aerodromes at Srisailam, Nagarjuna Sagar, and Prakasam Barrage, which are expected to increase the tourism revenue.

Tourism department divisional manager Chandramouli Reddy confirmed that the joint inspection has been completed. The state government will move forward with the DPR based on APADCL's recommendations.