The Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala launched its seaplane service. Places like Ashtamudi, Punnamada, Kumarakom, Munnar, Bolgatty and Bekal, with Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Calicut and Mangalore airports will be the base stations initially.
Various houseboats will be used as terminals for landing as well as takeoff sites. To make the experience more comfortable for tourists, these sites will have lounges. With this project, the tourism department aims to connect around 25 tourist destinations. Officials say that the purpose behind this project is to offer tourist total connectivity by air to the various destinations in the state.
This project was showcased at the Emerging Kerala Global Connect event that was held in Kochi last year. Officials say, Bengaluru-based Kairali Aviation Pvt Ltd will operate the seaplane service. Four other tour operators, including Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited (PHHL), have registered with the state government to start seaplane operations.
How will it work? Well picture this, if a tourist in UK wants to visit one of the destinations, he/she can take a plane to the nearest airport and then the seaplane will ensure that he/she reaches his/her destination in a short time. Officials say that this project can help cut down travel time from six hours to 20 minutes. It will also be a unique experience for the tourists.
Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Ltd. (KTIL) that was to co-ordinate the project, was provided with the necessary infrastructure and facilities like a floating jetty, passenger frisking, etc., to operate the service, by the state government.
As of now, such service is available in Andamans. Mumbai too is soon expected to have a seaplane service that can help people reach Lonavala, Shirdi, Murud-Janjira, Bhandardhara or service from Juhu to Nariman Point for just Rs 750.
Very good Initiative
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