Seaplane Service May Be Expanded to Odisha’s Chilika Lake Soon: Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu on Monday announced that the seaplane service may soon be extended to Odisha, with Chilika Lake and the eastern coast identified as potential destinations.

Speaking at the Eastern Region Ministers’ Conference on Civil Aviation in Bhubaneswar, the minister highlighted that seaplane operations can be initiated on any waterbody with a depth of more than 5 feet and at least 200 metres of landing space.

“The central government has simplified the guidelines for operating seaplane services, and the ministry is ready to implement the plan nationwide by October 2025. We will begin with two seaplanes operating either in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Kerala, or Andhra Pradesh network. The service could also be extended to Chilika Lake and the entire eastern coast,” he said.

Odisha’s aviation infrastructure to get a boost

After inaugurating the Udaan Yatri Cafe at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), Naidu told mediapersons that Odisha has nearly 20 existing airstrips, which can be developed into airports with state government support.

He added that the ministry also aims to establish heliports in hilly regions and the northeast, targeting at least one heliport per district where full-fledged airports are not feasible.

Terminal-3 and Puri airport projects

Highlighting Odisha’s growing aviation prospects, the minister confirmed that the proposed Terminal-3 at BPIA is in the planning stage and will be expedited to cater to rising passenger demand.

On the long-awaited Puri airport project, Naidu said site clearance has already been granted. “With Lord Jagannath’s blessings, we hope the Puri airport will become a reality soon. Construction will be undertaken by the state government, with full support from the Centre,” he assured.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol was also present during the inauguration at BPIA.

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