Marking a significant milestone for Assam’s tourism and aviation sectors, a seaplane successfully made its maiden landing on the Brahmaputra River at Pandu Port on Friday.
The demonstration flight, organised by M/s de Havilland Canada in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, showcased the potential of water-based aviation in Assam, a state rich in aquatic resources.
The seaplane, which earlier conducted a successful trial at Shillong's Umiam Lake, highlighted new possibilities for waterway transportation in the region.
Assam Tourism Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, who was onboard the flight, expressed immense pride in the achievement.
“Today marks a historic moment for Assam,” he said.
“We have made history in India with the successful seaplane landing on the Brahmaputra. This is a significant achievement for the tourism and transport sectors, and I extend my congratulations to everyone involved, especially the teams from the Transport and Tourism Departments,” he added
The initiative displays Assam’s potential as a hub for water-based aviation, with its numerous lakes and rivers providing ideal conditions for seaplane connectivity.
Minister Baruah stressed the importance of this development, adding, “We are hopeful that within a year, the seaplane project will be fully operational, connecting major tourist hotspots such as Kaziranga, Majuli, and Umrangsu.”
A crowd of spectators, including families and tourists, gathered at Pandu Ghat to witness the momentous event.
The Minister shared his experience of the flight, describing it as "brief but unforgettable" and highlighting the unique views of Assam’s picturesque landscapes.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma lauded the achievement, calling it a “new chapter of connectivity” for Assam.
Taking to social media, he remarked, “Earlier today, a seaplane successfully landed at Pandu Ghat, marking the first river landing in Eastern India. This will open new possibilities for connectivity in Assam.”
The state government envisions the seaplane service as a transformative project for Assam’s economy, boosting tourism and improving accessibility to remote areas.
The successful demonstration is expected to pave the way for operational services within six to 12 months, further solidifying Assam’s reputation as a prime destination for water-based aviation in India.
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