<span style="color: #222222;">Union Shipping Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has directed Sagarmala Development Company Limited (SDCL) and Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to jointly commence the seaplane operation of the Sabarmati and Statue of Unity route by October this year.<br />''<br />''Both SDCL and IWAI will coordinate with Ministry of Shipping, flight operators, Tourism Ministry and DGCA for smooth operation of the seaplanes in this sector.<br />''<br />''Mr. Mandaviya said that Sabarmati and Narmada River-Statue of Unity seaplane route will save time and boost tourism, as it provides a bird eye view of Narmda Valley and Statue of Unity.<br />''<br />''He instructed the officials to come up with Indian Model of a waterdrome terminal.<br />''<br />''Seaplane projects aim at providing faster and hassle free travel option for long and hilly regions of the country.<br />''<br />''Till now, 16 seaplane routes have been identified under Regional Connectivity Routes under the UDAN scheme.</span><br />