Tender for construction of infrastructure at Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep & Long Island floated

The Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India in association with A & N Administration and Airports Authority of India (AAI) is developing Water Aerodromes at Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep and Long Island for introducing Seaplane Services under the Central Government ' s flagship programme Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UDAN. UDAN, short for 'Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik' is a Regional Airport Development and Regional Air Connectivity Scheme of the Government of India to reach out to the remote areas. With the objective of letting the common citizen of the country fly, the scheme aims at making air travel affordable and wide spread to boost inclusive economic development, job growth and air transport infrastructure development of all regions. Seaplane operations from coastal/river/canal as well as terrestrial water bodies will extend the connectivity to those areas where no land based airport is available. Accordingly, to materialize this project, a Consultant has been engaged for preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR), obtaining MoEF clearance and conduct of necessary technical surveys like Bathymetry and Obstruction Limitation surface (OLS) surveys to develop Water Aerodromes at Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep and Long Island. After successful completion of the necessary technical surveys, layout plan/ designs were finalized for the Water Aerodrome infrastructures. The construction work of infrastructure for the Water Aerodrome at Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep and Long Island will be executed by ALHW at an estimated project cost of Rs. 52.66 Crores. The Water Aerodrome will have sheltered water runway area for the safe landing, takeoff and movement of seaplanes, adequate size floating jetty for docking of 02 seaplanes, passenger terminal building, walkway and necessary navigational aids. The floating Jetty and walkway will be constructed with latest technology reinforced cement pontoons to ensure stability and sea worthiness, zero corrosion/ low maintenance and safety. The city side area of the Aater Aerodrome will be developed with adequate parking facilities for vehicles along with the landscaping. The tender for construction of Water Aerodrome infrastructure has already been floated by ALHW on 14.07.2020, a press release from Directorate of Civil Aviation said.