The Kerala State Electricity Board’s (KSEB) attempt to start seaplane services has run into rough weather with the State deciding to refer the project for the consideration of the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).
The KSEB had invited expression of interest (EoI) from aviation service providers to operate amphibious floatplanes connecting its reservoirs, and five companies had evinced interest in the project.
It then referred the proposal to the consideration of the Transport department. The KSEB was insisting that it would be the responsibility of the air service operator to secure the necessary permissions from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to start the service, besides setting up waterdromes in selected reservoirs in Wayanad and Idukki in the first phase. The role of the KSEB will be of a facilitator and it will charge a certain amount for renting out its reservoirs.
