Blitz Bureau
ENSURING seamless and efficient rollout of seaplane operations across the nation, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu launched new guidelines for seaplane operation under RCS-UDAN. The guidelines prioritise the safety and security of seaplane operations and clearly outline the responsibilities of each stakeholder, from the operators to the regulatory bodies.
He said the country’s long coastline and vast network of rivers and lakes presents a viable opportunity for the development of this fast mode of transport. Naidu said the guidelines aim to connect remote areas of the country and make travel more accessible for all. He added that after the success of RCS-UDAN, the Government is considering to propose RCS-UDAN 2.0 for the next 10 years. The Union Minister said that the integration of seaplanes into the existing aviation system will provide last-mile connectivity to the regions that have remained isolated due to geographical challenges. He added that this new mode of transportation will provide faster and more comfortable travel to these areas but also open up new avenues for economic growth, particularly in the tourism sector.