Srinagar:The Jammu and Kashmir government is gearing up to introduce a subsidised seaplane service between Dal Lake in Srinagar and Manasbal in Ganderbal. Mumbai-based Maritime Energy Heli Airservices Pvt Ltd (MEHAIR) is set to operate the service.
The Secretary of the local Civil Aviation Department, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, has directed officials to expedite the final approvals, particularly regarding the impact on irrigation and flood control. Senior officials confirmed to ETV Bharat that security aspects are also under thorough review. The administration envisions that a direct link between the two picturesque lakes will further enhance tourism, which has been steadily growing in the region.
A government official stated, "MEHAIR is a pioneer in seaplanes, and the process is on to take to the skies of Kashmir. They have assured us a single-engine plane with a capacity of nine passengers and two pilots that will be deployed initially for the Kashmir zone."
Meanwhile, a representative from MEHAIR told ETV Bharat, "The Indian government plans to include dedicated seaplane routes under the forthcoming UDAN 5.3 subsidisation scheme. Our eyes are set on Andaman, Lakshadweep, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and other states where there is feasibility for seaplanes."