Guwahati, Nov 15: A Canadian seaplane made its maiden landing on the Brahmaputra River at Pandu Port, marking a significant milestone in Assam’s aviation and tourism sectors. The demonstration flight, conducted by M/s de Havilland Canada in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, took off from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport in Guwahati, showcasing the potential for maritime aircraft operations in the region.
The seaplane had completed a demonstration flight in Shillong the day before, landing at Umiam Lake, another key location being considered for water-based aviation operations. After its successful demonstration in Shillong, the seaplane flew to Guwahati, where it landed for the first time on the Brahmaputra River, further opening up possibilities for water-based transportation in Assam.
This is the first time a seaplane has successfully touched down on the mighty Brahmaputra, opening up new possibilities for water-based transportation in Assam. The demonstration flight was attended by several dignitaries, including Assam’s Tourism Minister Jayanta Mallah Baruah, who also participated in the flight.
Minister Baruah, speaking to the media after the successful landing, expressed his enthusiasm: “Today marks a historic moment for Assam as we witness the first-ever seaplane landing on the Brahmaputra River. Flying from Borjhar Airport to Pandu Port, we have made history in India with the seaplane’s successful landing in river water. Congratulations to everyone involved, particularly the teams from the Transport and Tourism Departments.”
The primary goal of this demonstration is to showcase the capabilities of maritime aircraft and to promote the potential for seaplane services in Assam. Minister Baruah highlighted the state’s abundant water bodies, which could serve as critical links for transportation, especially in the tourism sector. “Assam is blessed with numerous lakes and rivers. With seaplane connectivity, we can link major tourist destinations such as Kaziranga, Majuli, and Umrangsu. We hope the seaplane project will be fully operational within a year, revolutionizing the tourism sector,” said Baruah.
As the seaplane touched down at Pandu Port, a large crowd, including families with children, gathered at the nearby Pandu Ghat to witness this historic moment. Minister Baruah shared his excitement about the journey, describing the short flight as an unforgettable experience. “Flying over the Brahmaputra River from above, I got a unique view of our beautiful state. Assam has so many tourist destinations, and seaplane services will provide an efficient and scenic mode of transport, especially for our tourism sector,” he added.
Officials are hopeful that the successful implementation of this service will boost the state’s economy, attract more tourists, and improve connectivity to remote areas.
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