PANAJI
The much-awaited seaplane service, which were to commence in the second week of January, will now have to wait a little longer, with officials of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation expected to inspect the identified landing sites only later this week.
Speaking to The Goan, Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar said that, while they have received NOC from DGCA, a few inspections were pending.
“The officials will come to inspect the landing sites on Thursday. Once they give us the final go ahead, the seaplane services will begin,” Parulekar told The Goan.
Sites identified for landing the seaplanes include Mandovi River as well as Chapora River in order that the tourists can fly directly from the airport to the coastal belt.
Seaplanes were initially promised during the current tourism season, and a test and demo flight was also held. However, owing to persistent issues regarding clearances, they are yet to be given a final go ahead. Other plans such as heli services, amphibious buses and hovercraft services are also in the pipeline, all of which are awaiting central government clearances.
