Published Nov 09, 2024 | 6:19 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 09, 2024 | 6:19 PM
sea-plane demo from Vijayawada to Srisailam
For the first time in Andhra Pradesh, the state government has cleared the decks for the introduction of sea-plane service from Punnami Ghat near Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada to Patalganga in Srisailam.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu flew to Srisailam on a sea-plane on Saturday, 9 November, which is a demo for introducing the service on a regular basis in about three months time.
The aqua-plane took off from Prakasam Barrage reservoir and reached Patalaganga in Srisailam in about 45 minutes.
The Andhra Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation and Andhra Pradesh State Airports Development Corporation are partnering with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and FICCI to introduce the new facility to promote tourism.
As the aqua-plane touched down on the waters of Srisailam Reservoir, those who were waiting at Patala Ganga quay for the arrival of the chief minister and the Civil Aviation minister, burst out in applause.
Later the chief minister and the civil aviation minister reached Srisailam using the rope way and offered prayers at Sri Bhramarambha Mallikharjuna Sway at Srisailam temple.
The Civil Aviation Minister, speaking to media persons, said that the service would be made available to tourists within three months. He said his ministry was discussing with the state government and private players to make the flight to Srisailam affordable to the common man, implying that if necessary, they might subsidise the fare.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
