Govt to launch seaplane services in eight locations
The project is expected to be rolled out by next January.
Andhra Pradesh airports development corporation limited (APADCL) will engage an experienced and reputed firm with proven technical and financial capabilities and a team of multi-disciplinary professionals as transaction advisor for providing consultancy services for conducting techno economic feasibility study, preparation of detailed project report (DPR).
The advisor should also be entrusted with conducting environmental impact assessment (EIA) study and obtaining statutory clearances for the proposed water aerodromes at eight locations.
APADCL said that conducting various studies and investigations including site survey, geotechnical investigations, bathymetric/hydrographic survey, obstacle limitation surface (OLS) survey, CRZ mapping, identification of the location of jetty, runway and associated infrastructures for seaplane, feasibility study and necessary administrative approvals from statutory bodies & competent authorities.
Preparation of DPR includes preparation of concept design report, layout plan, detailed design and drawings (architectural and structural) of key components such as civil, electrical and IT and airport system as required for operation of water aerodromes
The advisory firm should also be responsible for conducting EIA study for each location, prepare environmental management plan (EMP) and assist APADCL in getting necessary environmental clearance (EC)/CRZ clearance from UTLA/MoEF&CC/other statutory bodies for each water aerodrome.
"Obtaining various statutory clearances for operation of water aerodromes and project implementation support till handover to airline operator is the responsibility of the advisor," said a senior officials of APADCL.
"With current growth scenario in civil aviation sector, particularly in India, the Centre has launched RCS-UDAN to reach out to remote areas. Sea plane operation from coastal/ river/ canal as well as terrestrial water bodies will extend the connectivity to those areas where there is no land-based airport.
Water Aerodromes have been proposed under the regional connectivity scheme (RCS). These aerodromes are aimed at servicing seaplane services in the country," said BC Janardhan Reddy, R&B and infrastructure minister.
He said that amidst overall worldwide growth of aviation industry, India is also witnessing tremendous growth in aircraft operations. Seaplane operations are yet an untapped market even though a tremendous potential exists, being a vast state with magnificent waterfronts and long coastline.
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