A similar model of the proposed Kochi-Lakshadweep seaplane, manufactured by De Havilland Canada, had been used to conduct the trial flight from Kochi to Mattupetty on November 11, 2024.

According to a top tourism official, the much hyped seaplane project, which got wings after more than 10 years since it was first proposed way back in 2013 by the then Oommen Chandy government, is still on.

“It has not been shelved. The state government has received more than seven proposals from various interested parties to conduct the service. However, we have been told to draw up an operational policy framework by the DGCA to get the green signal to start the tendering processes,” says the official.

“Several more routes have been proposed, such as Kochi-Wayanad and Kochi-Idukki. The other places that are being considered for the future expansion of the project are Kovalam, Ashtamudi Lake, Kumarakom, Idukki Dam, Punnamada, Malampuzha Dam, Banasura Sagar Dam, and Bekal.”

Though Kovalam is in the list, how the project would be planned remains to be seen, says Ajai Kumar K S, a tour leader and travel writer  under the tourism Ministry.

“Kovalam’s inclusion is no surprise, but landing a seaplane here could be an issue as waterbodies like Veli or Akkulam lakes are not wide enough. That said, Neyyar dam is a possibility,” he says.

In 2022, KSEB had mooted  an ambitious project that would have seen it operating seaplane and/or helicopter services between its dams and reservoirs. But nothing  materialised.

The seaplane  project has its share of opposition too, as environmentalists have raised concerns that it could cause significant ecological disruption in environmentally sensitive areas.