The Andhra Pradesh government has announced the launch of seaplane services in Amaravati, Tirupati, and Gandikota in the first phase of a broader plan to enhance tourism and regional air connectivity. This decision follows the successful trial run of a seaplane flight from Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada to the Srisailam reservoir.

The state had initially identified eight potential locations for seaplane services—Amaravati, Tirupati, Gandikota, Araku, Lambasingi, Konaseema, Srisailam, and Rushikonda—but has decided to begin with the three sites where water aerodromes will be constructed: Prakasam Barrage (Amaravati), Kalyani Dam (Tirupati), and Gandikota Reservoir.

Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu and CM N Chandrababu Naidu had earlier flown the trial route, signaling strong central and state support for the project. The Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation (APADCL) has floated tenders for techno-feasibility studies and DPRs, with RITES assigned the DPR for Amaravati and Gandikota and Feedback Highways for Tirupati. The initiative is part of the UDAN scheme, with 32 of 56 identified seaplane routes nationwide located in Andhra Pradesh.

Eleven locations have been marked for phased water aerodrome development, aligning with the CM’s vision of linking temple tourism circuits through affordable air services.