Kolkata: Bengal is likely to benefit from the Centre's decision to encourage seaplane operations in the country. If things move as per plan, Pawan Hans is likely to start seaplane operations from Kolkata to remote districts within the next couple of years, officials said.
Seaplane operations will require much less infrastructure as compared to normal fixed wing aircraft. The services would also be cheaper than helicopter trips. The West Bengal government has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Pawan Hans for operations in the state.
"We would certainly like to take advantage of the Government of India's policy to encourage seaplane operations in the country. The government has allowed 100% Foreign Direct Investment in this sector as the country still lacks the necessary expertise though there is a lot of opportunity. While seaplane operations have already started in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Maharashtra is also likely to start services soon. Other states and union territories like Kerala, Goa and the Lakshadweep Islands would also benefit immensely from seaplane services. Apart from the tourism aspect, seaplanes would come in extremely handy after natural calamities or during emergencies. Had seaplanes been operative in Bengal when the Aila struck, relief and rescue in the Sundarbans could have been achieved faster," an official said.
25/05/13 Jayanta Gupta/Times of India
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Seaplane operations will require much less infrastructure as compared to normal fixed wing aircraft. The services would also be cheaper than helicopter trips. The West Bengal government has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Pawan Hans for operations in the state.
"We would certainly like to take advantage of the Government of India's policy to encourage seaplane operations in the country. The government has allowed 100% Foreign Direct Investment in this sector as the country still lacks the necessary expertise though there is a lot of opportunity. While seaplane operations have already started in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Maharashtra is also likely to start services soon. Other states and union territories like Kerala, Goa and the Lakshadweep Islands would also benefit immensely from seaplane services. Apart from the tourism aspect, seaplanes would come in extremely handy after natural calamities or during emergencies. Had seaplanes been operative in Bengal when the Aila struck, relief and rescue in the Sundarbans could have been achieved faster," an official said.
25/05/13 Jayanta Gupta/Times of India
