First seaplane successfully lands at Bolgatty Lake; Test flight to Mattupetty Dam set for Monday

Kochi: The seaplane project, connecting water bodies and airports in Kerala, saw a test flight take off from the Bolgatty Lake here on Sunday. The seaplane, a De Havilland model from the Canadian company, took off at 3.15 pm from Kochi International Airport and landed at the Bolgatty Palace Water Aerodrome.

The aircraft took off after a water salute at the airport. The official flag-off of the test flight will be conducted on Monday at 9.30 am by Minister Mohammed Riyas.



Afterward, the plane will fly to the Mattupetty Dam in Idukki. The aircraft will land at the dam's water level, where it will be received by Minister Roshy Augustine. The test flight is part of an initiative by the Ministry of Civil Aviation to explore the possibilities of inland transport using amphibious aircraft.

In the background of the seaplane landing at Bolgatty Lake, restrictions were imposed on tourist, private and fishing boats from entering the lake between 1.30 pm and 4.30 pm on Sunday.

The restricted areas included the Marine Drive region, from the Gosree Bridge to Bolgatty, and from Vallarpadam to the Cochin Port Trust's tanker berth. These restrictions will continue on Monday as well. Amphibious planes, which can take off and land on both land and water, are being used for the seaplane project.

With large windows, these planes offer excellent aerial views for tourists. The Kerala government had attempted to implement the seaplane project twice before, but without success..