WATCH: Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu Takes Seaplane Ride At Inauguration

The seaplane project, part of Andhra Pradesh’s vision to become a leader in India’s water aviation sector, leverages on the state's extensive waterfronts and the country’s second-longest coastline.

In a pioneering initiative, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated a seaplane demonstration flight on November 9, connecting Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada to Srisailam in Nandyal district. Alongside Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and other dignitaries, the Chief Minister boarded the flight, marking a significant step toward developing water-based aviation in the state.

On launching trial run of seaplane service from Vijayawada to Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu said, "...This is a boom for tourism. The future is only for tourism. It will also create jobs, wealth and new experiences for people. So I don't want to focus only on seaplanes, we are giving tourism an industrial status..."

 

 

Andhra Pradesh Seaplane Service

This project, a part of Andhra Pradesh’s broader vision to become a leader in India’s water aviation sector, leverages on the state's extensive waterfronts and the country’s second-longest coastline. As per the state government’s plan, eight scenic locations have been earmarked for future seaplane services, including Vijayawada’s Prakasam Barrage, Araku, Lambasingi, Rushikonda, Kakinada, Konaseema, Srisailam, and Tirupati.

These destinations are expected to become hubs for water tourism, creating new opportunities for visitors to explore Andhra Pradesh’s natural beauty.

The demonstration flight aims to accelerate the establishment of water aerodromes—designated zones for seaplane operations. Unlike traditional airports, these water-based facilities require fewer resources and can be developed in less time, providing enhanced air connectivity to regions without conventional runway-based airports.

Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu expressed enthusiasm for the venture, noting that seaplanes represent a promising addition to India’s aviation infrastructure. "I am thrilled to be part of this significant launch in Andhra Pradesh, my home state, where we are setting an example for the rest of the country. There is vast potential for seaplanes in India," he remarked.

The Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation Ltd. (APADCL) sees the introduction of seaplanes as a transformative step, likely to reshape the state’s tourism and aviation landscape.