The Central government has granted in-principle approval to the Andhra Pradesh government for developing a tourism-centric seaplane network with 10 proposed water aerodromes across key destinations in the state under the UDAN scheme. 

The project involves developing water aerodromes and related landing infrastructure to operate seaplane services at 10 locations across Andhra Pradesh. The Centre has given in-principle approval for financial support to build water aerodromes at Vijayawada, Srisailam, Visakhapatnam, Araku Valley, Lambasingi, Kakinada, Rajahmundry, Tirupati, Suryalanka and Dindi, with each facility expected to require an investment of around ₹20 crore (US$2 million). The UDAN scheme is designed to strengthen regional air connectivity across India.

The Andhra Pradesh government identified 10 locations for introducing seaplane services with the objective of boosting tourism and improving regional air connectivity. The state is also obtaining necessary permissions and clearances from various departments, including irrigation and environment, before taking up phased infrastructure development. Through the public-private partnership (PPP) model, the government is targeting the launch of seaplane operations by January 2027. The project is expected to considerably cut travel time between key tourist destinations while providing visitors with a distinctive travel experience.