The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is gearing up to relaunch its seaplane tourism initiative, aiming to enhance connectivity between urban hubs like Mumbai and Pune and remote, scenic destinations across the state. The project seeks to link travelers to picturesque locales such as Ganpatipule in Ratnagiri, Koyna Dam in Satara, Ujani Dam in Solapur, and Mandwa near Alibaug, offering a swift and unique travel experience.
The initiative, which first took flight in 2014 with a nine-seater seaplane operating between Mumbai and Pavana Dam, was halted due to regulatory delays and legal challenges involving the Sahara Group. A later proposal for a Mumbai-Chowpatty route also stalled over jetty construction approvals. This time, MTDC is adopting a more strategic approach, selecting routes based on feasibility and leveraging existing infrastructure like helipads and certified waterbodies.
The revived plan involves deploying seaplanes with 9 to 19 seats, capable of landing on both land and water. MTDC has already opened bidding to experienced aviation companies to operate these services, ensuring a robust operational framework. The project is designed to cut travel time to Maharashtra’s hard-to-reach tourist spots, promote the state’s rich natural and cultural heritage, and boost local economies, aligning with the state’s broader tourism goals.
If successful, Maharashtra could pioneer a multi-route seaplane network in India. The initiative reflects a growing trend toward accessible, nature-focused tourism, with MTDC emphasizing practical planning to avoid past pitfalls.