Centre, AAI Clear Seaplane Project at Rayala Cheruvu Near Tirupati
State government is planning the Rayala Cheruvu seaplane project to encourage pilgrims visiting Tirupati to extend their stay and provide revenue to the region
TIRUPATI: Both the central government and Airports Authority of India (AAI) have cleared the proposed seaplane tourism project at Rayala Cheruvu near Tirupati under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme.
This project under the UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) will involve development of a water aerodrome at Rayala Cheruvu in Ramachandrapuram mandal of Tirupati district. It is part of the state government’s proposed seaplane tourism circuit across Andhra Pradesh. Supported by the centre under the UDAN RCS scheme, each such aerodrome is estimated to cost around `20 crore.
Rayala Cheruvu tank is located in the Chandragiri constituency. The AAI approved the proposal following inspections and discussions with officials from the Tourism, Irrigation, Revenue, and Gram Panchayat departments, apart from Tirupati Urban Development Authority.
Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation Limited (APADCL) is overseeing the Rayala Cheruvu seaplane tourism project, while Feedback Highways Pvt. Ltd. has prepared a detailed project report.
According to officials, the Rayala Cheruvu project is estimated to cost `16.27 crore. It will require nearly 1,500 square metres of land, along with around 1.8 acres for supporting infrastructure. Plans include a 1,150-metre-long water runway, floating platforms, apron anchorage facilities, and water taxiways with a width of 30 metres and depth of 1.2 metres.
AP Tourism regional director Dr. R. Ramana Prasad said eight locations have been identified for development of water aerodromes in Andhra Pradesh in the first phase, including Rayala Cheruvu. “The introduction of seaplane services will not only provide a new mode of travel, but also give huge impetus to tourism, allied sectors and local employment," Prasad stated.
State government is planning the Rayala Cheruvu seaplane project to encourage pilgrims visiting Tirupati to extend their stay and provide revenue to the region. At present, pilgrims visiting Tirumala spend 18–24 hours in the city before leaving. Tourism officials said lack of entertainment facilities and supporting infrastructure has made it difficult to retain the Tirumala visitors for longer periods in the Tirupati region.
Under the AP Tourism Policy 2024–29, state government aims to increase the average stay of pilgrims in Tirupati area from one day to three days through tourism circuits linking Tirumala, Chandragiri Fort, and other heritage destinations, apart from the seaplane project.
Tourism officials say there will be entertainment zones, food courts, and related tourism infrastructure developed around the Rayala Cheruvu.
