Which ministry has launched the ‘Guidelines for Seaplane Operations’ in India?

The Union Minister for Civil Aviation launched new guidelines for seaplane operations in India. The Minister also introduced UDAN version 5.4, with fresh bids invited for cancelled routes. The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN was launched in 2016 to improve air connectivity to remote or unserved areas. Key provisions include extending Viability Gap Funding (VGF) under RCS for seaplane operations. The guidelines adopt the Non-Scheduled Operator Permit (NSOP) framework, which is currently used for helicopters, for seaplanes as well.