Seaplane Services To Launch From Pune, Nashik, Nagpur Dams Under UDAN 5.5 Scheme

Pune, June 25, 2025: In a significant step to improve regional air connectivity, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has included seaplanes and helicopters under the UDAN 5.5 scheme. The government aims to start seaplane services on 150 routes across the country by December 2025, with Maharashtra emerging as one of the key focus states.

The Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) has identified eight water bodies for potential seaplane operations and submitted a proposal to the Airports Authority of India and the Civil Aviation Ministry. The proposed sites include:

* Pawana Dam (Pawananagar, Pune)

* Dhom Dam (Wal)

* Gangapur Dam (Nashik)

* Khindsi Dam (Nagpur)

* Koradi Dam (Mehkar)

* Pench Dam (Parshivani, Nagpur)

* Ganpatipule and Ratnagiri coastlines

The first phase of operations will begin in states like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. Aircraft from De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited will be used for these flights.

Private operators such as IndiGo and Pawan Hans have shown interest in managing these new routes. Under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) model, a part of the airfare will be subsidized by the government, keeping ticket prices in the affordable range of ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 per passenger.

Officials believe the scheme will improve access to remote and scenic areas, boost tourism, and provide economic benefits to smaller towns. A senior aviation department official noted, “Seaplane connectivity has the potential to transform travel in Maharashtra, where many tourist destinations are situated near large water bodies.”

The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, launched in 2016, aims to make air travel accessible and affordable for common citizens. The latest UDAN 5.5 version is a step forward in bringing last-mile air connectivity to areas not served by traditional airports.

If all approvals are secured, Maharashtra could soon witness seaplanes landing on its lakes and dams—marking a new era in regional tourism and connectivity.