Maharashtra, a state blessed with a 720-kilometre-long coastline, majestic Western Ghats, forested hills, ancient forts, and rivers that dance their way into the Arabian Sea, is set to embrace the skies in a way never seen before, again. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is bringing back seaplane services nearly a decade after their first attempt. 

It will transform the way we traverse the state by cutting down long road trips into breathtaking aerial voyages that hover over Maharashtra’s hidden gems. The revived services will connect Mumbai and Pune to pristine spots like Ganpatipule, Koyna Dam, Ujani Dam, and Mandwa, destinations once tucked away in the folds of maps, now within a seaplane’s glide.

Revival After a Decade: From Turbulent Pasts to Clearer Horizons 

Back in 2014, MTDC had launched an ambitious seaplane project linking Mumbai to Pavana Dam. However, the dream failed to sustain by delayed approvals and the eventual fallout with the Sahara Group. Other plans, such as connecting Juhu to Girgaum Chowpatty, were grounded due to infrastructural limitations and absence of a jetty. 

Fast forward to 2025 MTDC is determined not to repeat its past missteps. The department now promises a strategically mapped-out plan. By utilizing already-approved helipads and certified waterbodies, and working closely with aviation authorities, Maharashtra is finally ready to make its seaplane dreams soar successfully.

Imagine swapping five-hour drives with 30-minute flights that offer bird’s-eye views of lush valleys, dams, forts, and sun-kissed beaches. The new seaplane routes aim to create faster travel options with unforgettable experiences. Ganpatipule’s golden sands, the serene Koyna, and the charm of Mandwa will now be more accessible than ever. 

The thrill of descending directly onto water is set to become a signature travel moment for tourists, and a proud new chapter in Maharashtra’s tourism narrative. As footfalls increase in these remote destinations, local economies are expected to bloom with opportunities in hospitality, handicrafts, and cultural tourism. The ripple effect? Empowered villages and eco-tourism growth! 

Air Tours and the Tourism of Tomorrow

The MTDC’s plans are afoot to launch specially curated aerial tours that blend Maharashtra’s natural beauty with its rich history. These flying experiences will narrate tales of Shivaji’s forts and showcase the verdant brilliance of Sahyadri hills from above. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to hidden lagoons, the aerial trails will redefine immersive travel.

It’s more than a revival, it’s a reimagination of how the world sees Maharashtra. By combining modern aviation with timeless landscapes, the state is positioning its skies as a new tourism frontier, one where every flight is a story, every landing a discovery, and every traveler a seeker touched by wanderlust.