Development of Sea Plane Services in India
Source : PIB
GS III : Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc
Why in News ?
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Ministry of Civil Aviation for development of Sea Plane services in India was signed.
Key Facts
- For making seaplanes project a reality very soon.
- MoU envisages development of Non Scheduled/Scheduled operation of seaplane services within territorial jurisdiction of India under RCS-UDAN scheme of government of India.
- As per MoU a Co-ordination Committee with officials of Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and Ministry of Tourism (MoT) is to be set up for timely completion of operationalisation of Seaplane services at various locations.
- MoCA, MoPSW, SDCL (Sagarmala Development Company Limited) will consider operationalising of Seaplane operating routes as identified/suggested by all agencies.
- Benefits
- It will enhance seamless connectivity across the nation by promoting eco-friendly transportation through Seaplanes.
- Also give a boost to the tourism industry.
- Operationalization of new seaplane routes in India.
- Will help in expediting the development of new water aerodromes
How this MoU Works ?
- MoPSW would identify and develop water front infrastructure of Aerodromes/locations and obtain required statutory clearances /approvals in coordination with MoCA, DGCA and AAI by defining the timelines for all activities involved in the development of facilities for starting seaplanes operations.
- MoCA would carry out bidding and select potential airlines operators based on their commercial consideration through bidding process, incorporate the locations/routes as identified by MoPSW & routes identified through bidding process in UDAN scheme document.
- Funding
- MoCA is obliged to provide funds/financial support in respect of water aerodromes awarded under RCS-UDAN scheme and coordinate with Chief Secretaries of all States for the Seaplanes operations.
RCS-UDAN scheme
- Under RCS plans are to connect these underserved airports to key airports
- It will be through flights that will cost Rs 2,500 for per hour flight.
- RCS envisages to provide subsidy to airlines to offer these fares.
- AAI would invest Rs 17,500 crore in upgrading airport infrastructure over a period till 2019-20.
Daily Current Affairs : Click Here