Gujarat Government Revises Aviation Policy to Capitalize on Union Budget's Seaplane Push
In a strategic move to leverage the Union budget's focus on indigenous seaplane development, the Gujarat government is actively revising its civil aviation policy. The aim is to synchronize state-level initiatives with the Centre's vision, positioning Gujarat as a potential hub for both seaplane operations and manufacturing. This alignment is expected to unlock new economic and tourism opportunities across the state.
Policy Revisions to Promote Local Manufacturing and Connectivity
The revised civil aviation policy, which is currently under development and slated for release in the coming months, will introduce specific provisions to encourage local manufacturing of seaplanes. Government sources indicate that locations near ports will be identified as potential sites for establishing seaplane manufacturing units, with special incentives to be announced to attract investment.
Simultaneously, the state is preparing to revive seaplane connectivity by conducting feasibility studies for key routes. These studies will assess the viability of launching services from Ahmedabad to destinations such as Dharoi, Somnath, and Dwarka. A government official explained, "A decision has been taken to evaluate a seaplane circuit by proposing 3-4 high-demand routes and undertaking location-based studies. This ensures the state is implementation-ready once the Centre operationalizes the proposed seaplane viability gap funding (VGF) scheme."
Union Budget Incentives Driving State Action
The impetus for this policy shift stems directly from the Union finance minister's budget speech on February 1, which outlined several key measures. These include incentives to indigenize seaplane manufacturing, the creation of a dedicated VGF scheme to enhance last-mile and remote connectivity, and initiatives to boost tourism through seaplane services. The current state civil aviation policy lacks any incentives for seaplane manufacturing, making this revision a critical step to harness central support.
Reviving Suspended Seaplane Services
In addition to new initiatives, the Gujarat government plans to reissue tenders for the Ahmedabad-Ektanagar seaplane service. This service was originally launched on October 31, 2020, but was suspended in April 2021 after operating for only a few months. During the budget session of the assembly last year, the state government disclosed that approximately Rs 19 crore had been spent on the project, which included the construction of waterdromes at the Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad and at Ektanagar.
The suspension was attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic and "operational reasons of the service operator," as stated in a written government reply. The project has remained inactive for nearly five years, highlighting the need for a renewed approach to ensure sustainability and operational efficiency in future endeavors.
Strategic Implications for Gujarat's Economy
By aligning its policy with the Centre's seaplane incentives, Gujarat aims to not only enhance regional connectivity but also stimulate local manufacturing and tourism sectors. The focus on high-demand routes and feasibility studies underscores a data-driven strategy to maximize the impact of seaplane services. This proactive stance positions the state to quickly capitalize on central funding and support, potentially transforming it into a leading hub for seaplane technology and operations in India.
The integration of manufacturing incentives with connectivity revival efforts reflects a comprehensive approach to developing a robust seaplane ecosystem. As the policy revision progresses, stakeholders in aviation, tourism, and manufacturing will be closely monitoring developments, anticipating new opportunities for growth and innovation in Gujarat's civil aviation landscape.
