In a 1st in U’khand, seaplane trial held in Rishikesh

A seaplane successfully carried out a trial landing at the Ganga Barrage in Rishikesh on Monday, marking a key step towards boosting air connectivity and tourism in Uttarakhand. Dehradun: A seaplane trial landing at the Ganga Barrage in Rishikesh on Monday marked a step towards improving air connectivity and tourism in Uttarakhand, making it the first hill state to successfully conduct such a test.Officials said a twin-engine seaplane operated by Sky Hop was used for the trial. Experts said such services could significantly reduce travel time and boost the Char Dham yatra, adventure tourism and weekend travel.The state govt is planning to develop a seaplane circuit linking major water bodies such as Tehri Lake and Nainital Lake. Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) additional CEO Sanjay Tolia said, “The project is being developed in coordination with the tourism department.”Tourism secretary Dhiraaj Garbyal said Rishikesh and nearby areas have emerged as hubs for adventure tourism and yoga. “Over the past few decades, adventure enthusiasts from across India and abroad have been visiting Rishikesh. Regularised seaplane services could attract more tourists, domestic and international to Uttarakhand,” he said.Officials said the successful trial highlights the potential of aerial tourism infrastructure in the Himalayan state.A senior official said the trial is part of a broader plan to upgrade tourism infrastructure through modern transport solutions. “The landing demonstrates the state’s intent to introduce seaplane services at key religious and tourist hubs,” he said. Once operational, the service could ease access to several places in the hills by improving connectivity to routes leading to religious and tourist destinations.Another senior govt official said the initiative is expected to attract high-value and international tourists, particularly in the adventure segment, while reducing travel time and boosting local employment. He added that the model could be replicated at other water bodies in the state.A seaplane is a powered, fixed-wing aircraft designed to take off, land and float on water. It combines the speed of an aircraft with the utility of a boat and is often used in areas with lakes or coastal regions. In India, where travel across islands, rivers and coastal areas can be slow, seaplanes can reduce travel time and improve connectivity. They can operate without conventional airports, opening up new tourism routes and providing easier access to remote regions.