The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) announced on May 15, 2025, the relaunch of seaplane tourism, a decade after its 2014 debut, to enhance connectivity from Mumbai (BOM) and Pune (PNQ) to picturesque, hard-to-reach destinations like Ganpatipule (Ratnagiri), Koyna Dam (Satara), Ujani Dam (Solapur), and Mandwa (Alibaug), as per The Indian Express.

The project deploys 9-to-19-seat seaplanes, capable of landing on certified waterbodies or helipads, offering a unique aerial experience while slashing travel times, cutting the 7-hour Mumbai to Ganpatipule road trip to under 90 minutes.

Regulatory Delays

Unlike the 2014 attempt, halted by regulatory delays and legal issues with partner Sahara Group, the current plan leverages existing infrastructure and streamlined coordination with the DGCA. MTDC’s open bidding process invites experienced operators, ensuring reliability for routes serving Mumbai (BOM).

The initiative promotes Maharashtra’s beaches, mountains, and UNESCO sites like Ellora, drawing 40 million tourists yearly, per MTDC, and supports local economies in regions like Konkan.