Nagpur Poised to Become National Seaplane Hub with Khindsi Lake Routes Under Advanced Survey
In a significant development for regional aviation, Nagpur is set to emerge as the national hub for the seaplane ecosystem, with surveys currently underway to finalize routes originating from Khindsi lake. This initiative, part of the government's UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, aims to revolutionize air traffic in Vidarbha and enhance tourism through amphibious aircraft operations.
Government Confirms Advanced Stage of Seaplane Scheme
Minister of State Ashish Jaiswal confirmed to TOI that the scheme to operate seaplane routes in and around Khindsi lake is at an advanced stage. "The government has already cleared it under the Udaan scheme, and trials are complete. Now, surveys are going on with teams scouting locations on boats in Khindsi. It won't be long before you can land directly at Khindsi lake and check into a houseboat," said Jaiswal in an exclusive chat.
The houseboats, which will feature seven rooms, are initially being procured from an Indian firm, with plans to import specialized models later. Jaiswal emphasized that the seaplanes will bring more tourists to the region, stating, "We are following up the issue with various authorities, and things are moving ahead in a positive way."
Nagpur's Central Location Drives Hub Status
Mumbai-based entrepreneur Siddharth Verma, who is spearheading the seaplane project at Khindsi, highlighted Nagpur's strategic advantages. "Nagpur will become the national hub for the seaplane ecosystem. Planes will be kept here, training and maintenance will be done from here because it is a centrally located place," Verma explained.
He added that his company already operates similar services across Konkan, Mumbai, and Nashik, with strong demand noted in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Verma projected that "the seaplane service can be started within six months if all approvals are secured."
Subsidized Fares and Proposed Routes Under UDAN Scheme
The proposed service will run under the Centre's UDAN scheme, offering heavily subsidized fares to improve regional connectivity. Jaiswal detailed that the government will provide a subsidy of Rs 3,000 per passenger, reducing ticket prices to as low as Rs 2,000. The planned route from Khindsi will connect passengers to:
- Amravati
- Shegaon
- Mumbai, with a halt in Marathwada
A key benefit of amphibious aircraft is their ability to operate without conventional airport infrastructure. "The seaplane can take off from Khindsi and take you to Amravati, Shegaon to Mumbai. Most importantly, it does not need an airport to land as it can land on a water body and dams, being an amphibian aircraft," Jaiswal noted.
Historical Trials and Future Expansion Plans
Jaiswal recalled that an initial seaplane trial was conducted at Khindsi in 2014, laying the groundwork for current efforts. Verma indicated that the initial fleet will consist of nine-seater planes, with plans to introduce 19-seaters soon to scale operations.
However, regulatory approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other authorities remain pending before services can commence. This step is crucial for ensuring safety and compliance in the burgeoning seaplane network.
Overall, this initiative represents a transformative step for Nagpur and the broader region, leveraging innovative aviation technology to boost connectivity and tourism under government-supported schemes.
