**Summary:**
In response to a parliamentary question regarding the introduction of seaplane services in Dahod and surrounding regions of Gujarat, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) stated that it has introduced seaplane operations from water aerodromes under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) 3.0. To date, 30 seaplane routes have been awarded across various states/Union Territories, including Gujarat, through multiple bidding rounds. However, the government of Gujarat has not proposed Dahod for inclusion in the tentative list of unserved water bodies under the UDAN scheme. The MoCA maintains that the UDAN initiative has broadly enhanced regional connectivity and tourism, improved logistics, and generated direct and indirect employment throughout the country. The statement was provided by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Shri Murlidhar Mohol, in response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3142 on August 7, 2025.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Civil Aviation: The Indian government ministry responsible for the formulation and administration of rules, regulations and policies relating to civil aviation.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India.
SHRI JASWANTSINH SUMANBHAI BHABHOR: Member of Parliament who asked the question about seaplane service in Gujarat.
Gujarat: A state in India where the seaplane service is proposed.
Sardar Sarovar Dam: A gravity dam on the Narmada River in Gujarat, India, mentioned as a potential site for seaplane service.
Shri Murlidhar Mohol: Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Regional Connectivity Scheme Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik 3.0 RCS-UDAN 3.0: A government scheme to enhance regional air connectivity.
Dahod, Gujarat: A city and a district in Gujarat, India, considered for seaplane services.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3142
th
(To be answered on the 7 August 2025)
SEAPLANE SERVICE IN GUJARAT
3142. SHRI JASWANTSINH SUMANBHAI BHABHOR
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION
be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has formulated any action plan to introduce
seaplane services for Dahod and its surrounding regions, particularly in view
of Sardar Sarovar Dam and other water reservoirs and if so, the details
thereof;
(b) whether any coordination has been established between the Union
Government and the State Government of Gujarat in this regard and if so, the
details thereof; and
(c) the positive impact this initiative is likely to have on tourism and
employment opportunities in tribal areas?
ANSWER
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)
(a) to (c): Ministry of Civil Aviation introduced seaplane operations from
water aerodromes under the Regional Connectivity Scheme - Ude Desh Ka
Aam Nagrik 3.0 (RCS-UDAN 3.0). During various rounds of bidding, 30 valid
seaplane routes have been awarded in various States/UTs including Gujarat.
Dahod has not been proposed for inclusion in the tentative list of unserved
water bodies in the UDAN scheme document by the Government of Gujarat.
The UDAN initiative has not only enhanced regional connectivity and tourism
but also contributed to improved logistics and has led to the generation of
direct and indirect employment across the country.
*****