Andhra Pradesh To Launch First Seaplane Trial, Connecting Vijayawada And Srisailam

In order to improve transportation and promote tourism, Andhra Pradesh is finally ready to launch the first-ever seaplane service in its history, which is set for a trial run. According to sources, the trials are scheduled for either November 9 or soon after November 15, as confirmed by the authorities. The Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation Limited (APADCL) will run the seaplane service.

(Image for representation purpose only) Andhra Pradesh To Launch First Seaplane Trial, Connecting Vijayawada And Srisailam

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As per sources, the 10-seater seaplane will fly a peculiar route which would start from the Prakasam Barrage at Vijayawada and will finish at Srisailam in Nandyal District. The passengers on this route will traverse the Krishna River, and will land close to Pathalaganga in the Srisailam.

The seaplane service is expected to provide an alternative mode of travelling for pilgrims and tourists which will help in boosting their spirits along with making it easier for them to travel around.

Srisailam, that many are not aware of, is a well-known pilgrimage site in the region. Srisailam, which has an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is surrounded by dense forests of Nallamalla hills. Presently devotees from Telangana who wish to visit Srisailam travel around seven hours by road. The inhospitable land poses several challenges to the travellers. With the new seaplane service, now travellers have nothing to worry about because the entire distance will take approximately 40 minutes!

According to the authorities, the service would not limit itself to making it convenient for the devotees to reach the temple but also it will be an interesting proposition for those who wish to capture the breathtaking view of the Nallamalla forests and calm waters from the sky. The administration, hopes, that the easy and the tempting nature of the trip will boost the regional tourism a lot.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has been very keen to usher this service in at the earliest possible opportunity. The requisite clearance has already been acquired from the center for the trial run to be undertaken by APADCL. According to sources from the APADCL, the ground is set for the first flight of the seaplane and officials are confident that it will be a success.

Aside from attracting tourists and enabling pilgrimages, the state government is also investigating other uses for the seaplane. They argue that it possesses the potential to be beneficial during crises or outing natural calamities as it is able to reach high-seas rather inaccessible locations when there is water surface close by.

The effective implementation of this service could lay the groundwork for operating similar routes in Andhra Pradesh. According to the officials, should this trial become a hit, seaplane services will launch towards other tourist hotspots where there are water routes. This will and reforms are intended to enhance interest in the state and its capacity to transport state-to-state tourists within the country.

Andhra Pradesh is all set to launch this first-of-its-kind service in the state in the near future, presenting itself as one of the states with a modern transportation system and tourism cover. If all goes to plan, the seaplane service will also open doors to travel with an aerial view of the state’s beauty and culture with all the comfort.