Seaplane project in Kerala to take off in January

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Pushing forward its plan to launch a seaplane transport service linking major tourist destinations by January 2013, the Kerala government today sanctioned Rs 7 crore for development infrastructure.

The Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Development has sanctioned the amount to take up works related to basic facilities at different tourist spots.

"The Tourism Department is the nodal agency for implementing the project and the plan is to start the service by January 13 next year”, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said.

The seaplane project is among the two dozen tourism projects showcased at the recent 'Emerging Kerala' investment summit to exploit the potential of the state's plenteous water bodies.

About 58 companies have shown interest in the venture, apart from two plane manufacturers. The state has also identified seven locations for launch of the project.