The civil aviation ministry has announced simplified regulations for seaplane operations, which include allowing non-scheduled entities to operate such services and implementing a streamlined certificate process. These relaxed norms are designed to encourage seaplane operations under the regional air connectivity scheme, UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik). Seaplanes, which are amphibian aircraft capable of taking off and landing on water, will no longer require a waterdrome license under the revised norms of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and compliance requirements have also been reduced. Waterdromes, which facilitate the landing and takeoff of seaplanes, are now subject to simplified regulations that have been carefully planned and prepared after extensive consultations, according to Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu. Speaking at an event in the national capital to announce the revised regulations, Naidu also highlighted that seaplane operations could boost tourism. In addition to other regulatory changes, fresh Commercial Pilot License (CPL) holders can now directly obtain seaplane ratings, enabling them to fly seaplanes. The ministry noted that the simplified guidelines will permit seaplane operations by Non-Scheduled Operators (NSOPs). India has previously seen seaplane operations in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as well as in Gujarat, but these operations were not sustained for long. At the event, Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam mentioned that the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) for seaplanes has been streamlined and urged state governments to identify suitable water bodies for seaplane operations. He added that seaplanes will provide another means of connectivity for people, and that the UDAN scheme has been path-breaking, with more than 100 routes operational for over three years. Furthermore, the government plans to establish water aerodromes at 18 locations across Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Goa, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh.