Andhra Pradesh: CM Naidu Launches Demo Seaplane Flight From Vijayawada To Srisailam

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday (9 November) launched a demonstration flight of a seaplane service from Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada to Srisailam in Nandyal district.

Addressing a meeting after the launch of the demo flight at Punnami Ghat on the Krishna River in Vijayawada, he said, "This is a new experiment (seaplane demo flight). I am very happy. If anything new happens in the country, it should happen in Amaravati. We are going ahead with that motto," news agency PTI reported.

The Chief Minister later boarded the seaplane along with Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu and other officials, embarking on the journey to the temple town of Srisailam.

CM Naidu emphasised that the introduction of seaplane services would be an innovative opportunity which will promote economic activities to create employment.

He highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi also came forward to promote seaplane operations in the southern state, which does not require the expensive infrastructure needed for a regular airport.

The Andhra Pradesh government intends to position the state as a leader in India's water-based aviation industry by launching seaplane services.

The chief minister observed that innovative ideas will remove poverty and generate income which can fund welfare activities.

Earlier, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said a new chapter is being opened in Andhra Pradesh, adding that seaplane operations will not only change the future of the state but also India.

Though seaplane operations were tried earlier, the civil aviation minister noted that they did not take off due to Covid and other reasons and highlighted that CM Naidu suggested the potential of seaplanes.

According to the union minister, seaplane services are also important for PM Modi and reminded that they were tried earlier in Gujarat.

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