Formidable plan at KRS backwaters and 6 different locations fails to draw bids from 15 operators
Mysore/Mysuru: The Karnataka Authorities’s renewed bid to revive its formidable seaplane venture, geared toward boosting tourism on the backwaters of Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam in Mandya district and 6 different locations, has hit a roadblock, with none of the 15 seaplane operators responding to the tender.
The Division of Tourism had floated an Expression of Curiosity (EoI) to introduce and function seaplane companies throughout the State, inviting proposals from established organisations with confirmed experience in aviation and tourism administration.
Earlier than issuing the tender, the Division had personally communicated with 15 seaplane firms, urging them to take part within the bidding course of. Nonetheless, none submitted proposals. Officers now plan to once more attain out to potential operators.
Aside from KRS, the Division has recognized a number of different places for seaplane operations, together with Mangaluru (Gurupura River), Hampi (Tungabhadra Dam), Shivamogga (Jog Falls/ Tunga River), Vijayapura (Almatti Dam), Karwar (Kali River) and Hidkal Dam in Belagavi district.
Earlier launch makes an attempt
The venture has confronted a number of setbacks previously. In October 2024, the primary seaplane carrying 19 vacationers was scheduled to land on the KRS backwaters on Nov. 10, 2024, beneath an initiative spearheaded by the Karnataka State Industrial Infrastructure Growth Company (KSIIDC).
Nonetheless, the launch was postponed indefinitely and ultimately scrapped.
Subsequently, the venture was shifted from KRS Dam to Kabini Dam, citing “technical difficulties” in working the plane at KRS. With Kabini situated close to the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, the Authorities had meant to advertise eco-tourism. That plan, too, didn’t take off.
Now, the Tourism Division is making one other try to revive the initiative.
Pre-bid assembly
“The pre-bid assembly was held in Bengaluru on Tuesday and none of the 15 reputed seaplane operators expressed curiosity. We had despatched them pre-bid invites. We’ll make one other effort and write to them once more concerning the alternative,” H.P. Janardhan, Joint Director of the Tourism Division and in-cost officer for the pre-bid assembly, instructed Star of Mysore.
He stated, the proposed Karnataka Seaplane Connectivity Initiative (Ok-SCI) goals to reinforce regional air mobility by leveraging the State’s intensive inland water our bodies and its 320-km shoreline.
“Seaplanes are anticipated to enhance current vacationer points of interest, minimize journey time and supply sooner, extra comfy entry to distant and scenic locations,” he famous.
Janardhan stated, the companies may very well be a sport-changer for tourism in Karnataka by offering aerial views of iconic landscapes and bettering connectivity to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities beneath the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme. The initiative can also be anticipated to spice up native economies by way of job creation and elevated vacationer spending.
“The businesses can start operations at KRS and later develop to different locations. The places have been recognized based mostly on vacationer footfall and infrastructure. We’ll once more conduct one other pre-bid assembly and aggressively promote the initiative and hold the proposals open,” he added.
Source link
#takers #Seaplane #Project #Star #Mysore
