State to launch seaplane project in 3 months to link backwaters

Thiruvananthapuram: Eyeing arrival of more foreign tourists, Kerala Government would launch its seaplane project in three months to provide direct air link to the backwaters, a star attraction among the visitors to the state.

Initially, the service would be provided in the priority circuit, comprising three major airports of Kochi, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram linking prime backwater destinations of Asthamudi, Punnameda, Kumarokam, Bolgatty and Bekal, Tourist Information Officer Muraleedharan said Wednesday.

The seaplane, with 10 to 25 seating capacity, will take off from the nearby airports and land on backwaters known for its houseboats, he said

Muraleedharan said that tourist arrivals from January to August this year, showed 7.4 per cent increase over the previous year.