Plans are in place to connect Visakhapatnam and Kakinada to the state capital Amaravati through amphibious aircrafts. Sky Choppers Logistics Private Limited, a Chennai based firm, will operate the sea planes that are to connect the capital to these cities. The company has previous experience in transporting pilgrims to religious sites. They have signed an agreement with the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department and VUDA.
The planes are said to be made operational from September or October this year, shuttling between Prakasham Barrage, Haritha Creek and Bheemli. A special plane for pilgrims travelling to Tirupati from the capital is also said to be in the works. Helicopter services will be launched for sightseeing within the city, operating from VUDA park and travelling to Kailashgiri or Aruku.
Land has been identified at Bheemli for a floating sea plane jetty and elsewhere for helipads.
“Once Vuda gives its consent, we will obtain the clearance from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for operations. The helicopter ride to Kailasagiri and back from Vuda parks would take around 5 to 7 minutes while the ride to Araku would last for about 15 to 20 minutes. Fare for helicopter trip to Kailasagiri could be around Rs 2,000 and trip to Araku from Vizag is around Rs 5,000,” C.J. Chandrasekhar of Sky Choppers Private Ltd told DC.
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