Karnataka’s Scenic Water Bodies Identified For Seaplane Aerodomes Under UDAN Scheme: Civil Aviation Ministry

The Union government has identified Sigandoor, Byndoor, Malpe, Ganeshgudi and Karwar as potential sites for water aerodromes under its UDAN regional connectivity scheme.

Revealing the proposals in a written reply to a question from Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivasa Poojary in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Muralidhar Mohol, informed that bids have already been received for seaplane services in Mangaluru and Kabini, with Letters of Intent issued for the proposed routes.

Sigandoor, in Shivamogga district, near the backwaters of the Linganamakki Dam, was considered suitable for seaplane operations.

The beaches of Byndoor and Malpe in Udupi district, the Supa Dam at Ganeshgudi in Uttara Kannada, and the Kali river estuary in Karwar have also been shortlisted.

In Mysuru district, the Kabini reservoir is already a well-known wildlife tourism hub.

Water aerodromes require only limited infrastructure such as floating jetties, passenger terminals and navigational aids, making them cost-effective compared to conventional airports.

They are designed for landing and take-off of seaplanes in lakes, rivers, dams or coastal waters, and are now being prioritised in tourist-friendly and eco-sensitive regions.

It was also stated tat Sigandoor and other identified locations remain open for operators to bid.

When asked about plans to expand regional air connectivity beyond Bengaluru, the minister added that under UDAN 5.2, bids had been received for small aircraft operations at Ballari and Kolar.

However, he noted that the state government must confirm land availability before development of these airstrips can proceed.

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