Question : Water Aerodrome

(a) whether the Government has taken a decision to set up water aerodromes in five States of the country namely Odisha, Gujarat, Assam, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, if so, the main features of these water aerodromes including their status;

(b) whether their importance increases if they are constructed near the tourist places and the places of religious importance;

(c) whether the local people are likely to get economic opportunities under it and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether funds have been allocated for construction of water aerodrome in the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad; and

(e) whether any operators have shown interest to run seaplanes if the necessary infrastructure is created and if so, the details thereof?

The Minister of State (IC) in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Shri Hardeep Singh Puri)

(a) to (e): Airport Authority of India (AAI), the Implementing Agency, has awarded Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) Routes for operation of RCS flights from 10 Water Aerodromes. Details of these Water Aerodromes is attached at Annexure. AAI has already appointed a Consultant for preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) for development of awarded Water Aerodromes.

As per the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) - 2016, RCS - UDAN is inter-alia implemented by way of revival of unserved or underserved airports. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal on 06 March, 2017 for revival of existing un-served / underserved airports / airstrips of the State Governments, Airports Authority of India and Civil Enclaves at an estimated cost of Rs. 4500 Crore. An airport /airstrip /helipad /heliport /water aerodrome which is included in the awarded routes of RCS - UDAN and requires upgradation/development for commencement of RCS operations, is developed under "Revival of unserved and underserved airports" scheme, subject to firm commitment from airline operators as well as from the State Governments for providing various concessions. ;
Development of Water Aerodromes near tourist places would enhance the air connectivity to promote tourism.

As per the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) study- "Economic benefit of Civil Aviation: ripples of prosperity" the output and employment multiplier of Aviation are 3.25 and 6.10 respectively.