Gujarat Aligns Aviation Policy with Centre's Seaplane Push

• Gujarat revises civil aviation policy to boost indigenous seaplane production
• Feasibility studies for Ahmedabad-Dharoi, Somnath, Dwarka routes; Ektanagar service to restart
• Budget incentives and VGF schemes aim to promote tourism and attract investment

The Union Budget supports domestic seaplane production, which leads the Gujarat government to develop its civil aviation policy in accordance with national goals to establish the state as a base for seaplane operations and manufacturing activities.

The upcoming policy announcement will introduce new investment incentives for local seaplane manufacturing to attract business to the region.

The policy supports the Seaplane push India by introducing Gujarat aviation incentives, promoting aircraft manufacturing India, driving aviation policy reform, expanding seaplane services India, aligning with Gujarat industrial policy, strengthening aerospace manufacturing India, advancing government aviation plans, and enhancing regional connectivity India.

Gujarat plans to establish domestic seaplane services while maintaining its current manufacturing operations. The government will conduct feasibility studies to assess potential routes that would link Ahmedabad with the cities of Dharoi, Somnath and Dwarka.

The government official stated, “A decision has been taken to evaluate a seaplane circuit by proposing 3-4 high-demand routes and undertaking location-based studies so that the state is implementation-ready once the Centre operationalises the proposed seaplane viability gap funding scheme”.

Also Read: Union Budget 2026-27 Focuses on Seven Strategic Sectors

The renewed push follows the Union finance minister’s Budget announcement on February 1, which proposed incentives for domestic seaplane manufacturing, a dedicated viability gap funding scheme to enhance last-mile remote connectivity and initiatives to promote tourism through seaplane services.

The existing civil aviation policy needs assessment because it lacks seaplane manufacturing support, which requires policy adjustment. Manufacturing facilities will be established at port boundary locations, while special incentives will be offered to attract investors.

The state government plans to reissue tenders for the Ahmedabad–Ektanagar seaplane service, which first launched on October 31, 2020, but suspended its operations in April 2021 after limited testing.

The government disclosed a Budget session report which showed they spent ₹19 crore on the project, which included waterdromes development at Sabarmati riverfront and Ektanagar. The project remained inactive for almost five years because the Covid-19 pandemic and operational challenges caused its suspension.