Maharashtra is set to revolutionize regional travel with the revival of seaplane tourism, drastically cutting journey times and connecting major cities like Mumbai and Pune to scenic, hard-to-reach destinations. This innovative initiative aims to boost tourism, stimulate local economies, and offer travelers a unique aerial experience while overcoming past regulatory challenges.

Maharashtra is set to revive seaplane tourism after a decade-long hiatus, aiming to boost connectivity between major cities like Mumbai and Pune and several scenic and remote destinations across the state. This ambitious initiative, spearheaded by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), seeks to transform travel by drastically cutting journey times and offering travelers a unique aerial experience over some of Maharashtra’s most beautiful landscapes.

On May 15, 2025, MTDC officially announced the relaunch of seaplane services, marking the revival of a concept first introduced in 2014 but halted due to regulatory and operational challenges. This time, the plan focuses on linking Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) and Pune’s Lohegaon Airport (PNQ) with picturesque locations including Ganpatipule in Ratnagiri, Koyna Dam in Satara, Ujani Dam near Solapur, and Mandwa in Alibaug. These destinations are not only renowned for their natural beauty but have historically been difficult to reach efficiently by road.

The seaplane fleet will consist of small aircraft seating between nine and nineteen passengers, capable of landing on certified water bodies or helipads situated near the tourist spots. This method of transport is expected to slash travel time significantly; for example, the often arduous seven-hour road journey from Mumbai to Ganpatipule will be cut down to less than ninety minutes by air, providing travelers with both convenience and stunning aerial views of the coastline and Western Ghats.

Learning from past setbacks, MTDC has adopted a more pragmatic and streamlined approach to this relaunch. The initial 2014 attempt to launch seaplane services collapsed mainly due to regulatory hurdles and legal complications involving the then-partner Sahara Group. The earlier venture operated a nine-seater seaplane from Mumbai to Pavana Dam near Lonavala but ended with significant financial losses. Additionally, a planned route from Juhu to Girgaum Chowpatty was abandoned due to lack of approvals for the necessary jetties.

In contrast, the current project leverages existing infrastructure and closely coordinates with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to avoid previous pitfalls. MTDC has opened the tender process to experienced operators with proven track records, ensuring that the new seaplane services will be reliable and compliant with aviation safety standards. The use of certified water bodies and existing helipads also reduces setup costs by about 30 percent, according to senior MTDC officials, making the project more financially viable.

DGCA’s revised guidelines have played a crucial role in facilitating the revival of seaplane services. These new rules permit the operation of amphibious aircraft that require minimal infrastructure, enabling faster deployment of routes compared to the stringent and time-consuming regulations faced in the earlier attempt. MTDC’s strategic emphasis on experienced operators reflects lessons learned from Kerala’s successful seaplane operations in 2023, which saw a 15 percent boost in regional tourism, highlighting the potential impact of such services.

The benefits of reintroducing seaplane connectivity extend beyond mere convenience. The initiative is designed to stimulate local economies by increasing tourist inflow to less accessible areas. For instance, Mandwa, located just twenty minutes away by seaplane from Mumbai, currently requires a three-hour ferry journey, making air travel an attractive alternative. Similarly, Ganpatipule, which attracts roughly half a million visitors annually, is expected to witness a 20 percent increase in tourist arrivals, generating an estimated $10 million in additional local revenue according to MTDC projections.

Beyond transportation, MTDC plans to offer exclusive aerial tours that highlight Maharashtra’s world-famous cultural and natural landmarks such as the Ajanta Caves and the Sahyadri mountain ranges. These tours aim to attract high-net-worth travelers seeking unique and luxurious experiences, adding further value to the seaplane services.

However, the success of this ambitious project will depend on consistent and dependable service, as well as effective public awareness campaigns. Surveys conducted by travel platforms like Skyscanner reveal that nearly 60 percent of Indian travelers remain unaware of seaplane travel options, indicating a significant need for marketing and education efforts to build demand.

Operational challenges remain, including high operating costs and the need for either government subsidies or strong passenger demand to achieve financial sustainability. MTDC is partnering with operators familiar with seaplane operations in Goa, where trial services have provided valuable insights into managing costs and maintaining service quality. The target is to scale up to fifty weekly flights by 2026, establishing Maharashtra as a pioneer in India’s seaplane network landscape.

Final approvals from the DGCA are expected by August 2025, after which the launch dates will be finalized. Mandwa and Ganpatipule are poised to be the flagship routes, demonstrating the potential of seaplane tourism to revolutionize travel within the state.

Maharashtra is bringing back seaplane tourism to connect key cities with scenic destinations, reducing travel time and boosting tourism across the state. This initiative promises a fresh, efficient way to explore Maharashtra’s hidden gems.

If successful, Maharashtra could become the first Indian state to offer a multi-route seaplane network, setting a benchmark for other regions looking to enhance connectivity and promote tourism through innovative transport solutions. This revival promises to deliver faster, more scenic, and enjoyable travel experiences, supporting both the tourism sector and local economies across Maharashtra’s diverse and beautiful regions.

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