In 2021, the then Tansport minister of Nagaland Paiwang Konyak met Union Minister for Civil aviation and brought back the good news that a Water aerodrome project has been identified to be taken up at Doyang hydro project for seaplane service under Regional Connectivity Scheme- Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (RCS-UDAN). However, nothing much has been heard about the project after that.
Meanwhile, connectivity between Assam and Meghalaya is set to get a major boost as the Conrad Sangma government plans to introduce seaplane operations from Umiam Lake, linking key destinations, including Kaziranga National Park.
The initiative is expected to enhance tourism by providing a direct link between Meghalaya and Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its one-horned rhinoceroses. Improved access is also anticipated to generate employment opportunities and strengthen economic ties between the two neighbouring states.
The project falls under the Centre’s UDAN 5.5 scheme, aimed at enhancing last-mile connectivity in remote and hilly areas. Additionally, the seaplane operations are expected to extend to Baljek Airport in Garo Hills.
Officials have confirmed that several aviation companies have expressed interest in operating seaplanes from Umiam Lake. The state government has also sought assistance from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to develop Umiam as a water aerodrome.
The seaplane initiative comes at a time when Meghalaya is receiving substantial investments in tourism infrastructure.
-With inputs from Agencies