GUWAHATI, Nov 15: Guwahati made history as it witnessed its first-ever seaplane test flight, which successfully landed on the waters of the Brahmaputra River at Pandu Ghat after taking off from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA) in Borjhar. This milestone flight marks a significant step towards exploring the feasibility of commercial seaplane services in Assam and opens up new possibilities for boosting tourism and transport connectivity in the state.

The test flight, conducted as part of a collaborative effort between De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd and India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), represents the first river landing of a seaplane in Eastern India. Assam’s extensive network of rivers makes it an ideal candidate for such services, and the successful demonstration could help transform travel across the state, particularly to remote and less accessible areas.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his optimism on social media, hailing the event as a major step toward promoting tourism and improving transport infrastructure in the state. Tourism Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, along with Mayor Mrigen Sarania, Deputy Mayor Smita Roy, and other officials from the Tourism and Transport departments, were present to witness the historic test flight.

Baruah announced that preparations for operational seaplane services in Assam would be completed within the next six months. These services are expected to improve connectivity across the state, leveraging Assam’s vast riverine networks and providing a unique travel experience for tourists. The introduction of seaplanes could also offer better access to remote riverine destinations, enhancing tourism potential.

On Thursday, Meghalaya witnessed a significant step toward enhancing connectivity as a seaplane landed at the scenic Umiam Lake. This test, organized by MoCA and the Meghalaya Transport Department, aimed to explore the feasibility of using seaplanes to overcome the state’s rugged terrain, which is challenging for traditional transport. Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, and other officials and stakeholders from the aviation and transport sectors participated in the demonstration.

The amphibious seaplane used in both test flights, capable of operating on both water and land, was manufactured by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada and is managed by SpiceJet. Minister Naidu emphasized that the seaplane demonstrations are part of the Centre’s broader initiative to “integrate the Northeast with the mainland” by providing innovative connectivity solutions.

These test flights are part of a wider initiative to explore seaplane services in various parts of India. Similar demonstrations have already been conducted in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, highlighting the nationwide potential for seaplane operations. While no seaplanes are yet operational in India, private players are reportedly planning to induct up to 10 seaplanes into service, signaling growing interest in this form of transportation.