New Delhi, Oct 29 (PTI) Russian and Japanese firms haveevinced interests in supplying amphibious planes to Indiawhich also include 50 seater such planes, Union Minister NitinGadkari said today.
In line with the government plans to convert 111 riversinto national waterways in the country, Gadkari said,proposals are being examined for introducing seaplanes atYamuna, Ganga and other waterbodies.
"India has a huge potential in seaplanes that canoverhaul connectivity... A Russian firm has approached us forsupplying 50 seater amphibious planes which have multiple usesright from passenger and cargo transportation to firefighting, rescue and defence operations," the transport andwater resources minister told PTI.
He said the proposal is being looked into as the firm isalso keen for indigenisation of the planes in the long runwith suitable partners here.
Gadkari, however, made it clear that the proposal is atan early stage and involved multiple issues right from variousregulatory permissions, route assessments, creation of hydroports on the pattern of airports and seaports.
The minister said that similarly a Japanese firm has alsoevinced interest in such projects and a trial show could beheld in November-end at Varanasi.
Once the projects are approved, Gadkari said, they can betaken at a large scale across the country as India has a hugepotential in this sector and it will change the face of thetourism sector as well as communication.
"Every city in India has large waterbodies which couldeasily serve the seaplanes. Besides, we are introducingamphibious buses and recently have sent one such bus toAhmedabad," the minister said.
Earlier this month, SpiceJet announced plans to purchasemore than 100 amphibious planes at an estimated cost of USD400 million to boost regional operations.
SpiceJet has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with Japan's Setouchi Holdings with regard to purchaseof the up to 14-seater amphibious aircraft.
Also, UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik) project of thegovernment seeks to provide air connectivity to unserved andunder-served airports as well as make flying more affordable.
The government has already urged global investors to tapthe potential of seaplanes in the country.
Promising early approvals for such projects, Gadkari hadsaid this is an era of innovation which could change the faceof the country.
The minister had also said, "We want to encourageseaplanes. A small nation like Maldives has a fleet of 47seaplanes but India despite vast potential has none. I urgeindustrialists to come to India in the area. Here is thepotential." PTI NAM MKJSBT.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.