Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal has given a major boost to the state’s tourism sector with the announcement of ₹20 crore for the development of seaplane tourism. The initiative aims to enhance Kerala’s connectivity, offering tourists a unique and swift travel option to explore the state's scenic destinations. The state government will also allocate funds for the development of helipads and small airports.
What we know about the seaplane project:
Also Read
The seaplane project will use a twin-engine, 19-seater aircraft known for its ability to land on small water bodies. This makes it ideal for connecting remote and lesser-accessible destinations, allowing for quicker travel options over Kerala’s expansive water bodies.
The project is designed to link Kerala’s water bodies with major tourist destinations, providing a convenient alternative to traditional road travel, which is often time-consuming due to Kerala’s rugged terrain.
A proposed seaplane circuit may connect popular tourist spots such as Kovalam, Kumarakom, Banasura Sagar, and Mattupetty reservoirs, creating new opportunities for both local and international tourists to explore the state’s natural beauty.
Earlier, Transport and Aviation Secretary Biju Prabhakar shared that a list of suitable water bodies for the project has already been submitted to the Central Government. The next step will involve auctioning routes in collaboration with tour operators to ensure seamless integration of the service into Kerala’s existing tourism infrastructure.
Published: 07 Feb 2025, 10:37 am IST
Related Topics
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.