India's first seaplane service, which was launched in October 2020, between the Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad and the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, has hit a roadblock due to increased maintenance and operational expenses. The seaplane service was intended to provide an efficient mode of transportation for tourists visiting the Statue of Unity, the world's tallest statue of Indian statesman Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, located on an island on the Narmada river in Gujarat.
Reports suggest that the state government has not given a specific timeframe for the resumption of the seaplane service, which was suspended during the pandemic. While the government had hoped that the service would attract tourists from all over the world, it has now become apparent that the high cost of maintenance and operation is a major hurdle.
The seaplane service, operated by SpiceJet's subsidiary Spice Shuttle, uses a 15-seater Twin Otter 300 seaplane to fly between the two locations. The service was highly appreciated by tourists for its unique experience, with the aircraft taking off and landing on the river. However, the operational costs of the service, including the costs of fuel, maintenance, and pilot training, have become a major concern for the state government.
The seaplane service was launched as part of the government's initiative to promote tourism in the state of Gujarat, which is home to several popular tourist destinations. The service was seen as a game-changer for tourism in the region, as it would provide a faster and more comfortable mode of transportation than the current options. However, the current challenges faced by the service have left its future in question.
In conclusion, the future of India's seaplane operations remains uncertain due to rising maintenance and operational costs. The service was launched with great fanfare by Prime Minister Modi, but its viability is now under scrutiny. The state government must decide whether to continue the service and find ways to reduce its costs or to discontinue it altogether.
