AP Tourism plans amphibian bus service

According to a report in The Times of India, Andhra Pradesh (AP) Tourism Department is toying with the idea of starting an amphibian bus service at tourist spots along the coastline to give thrust to water sports and water transport.

"We are in touch with foreign manufacturers based in Honolulu (Hawaii). Later, we will invite expression of interest from local private operators," Madhusudam, Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Tourism Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh, said. "Initially, to make it economically viable, we have planned to start it in Visakhapatnam," he said.

Tourism Department officials met the amphibian bus manufacturers at a meeting in Goa. As the Goa Tourism Department did not fix the deal with the manufacturer, AP wants to grab the opportunity.

Amphibian buses can ply on land as well as on water. During the ride, tourists can see some picturesque locations in and around the beach. The bus will cost around Rs two crore. It can carry 15 to 20 people in a single trip of half an hour.

Officials said the bus will act as a link between private operators and manufacturers. The Tourism Department will give permission to private agencies to run this bus.

To promote tourism along the coast, the Department is also mulling hovercrafts. The look of this jet will be very exotic with each one having a 50-seater capacity and costing around Rs 50 lakh, officials said.

AP Tourism Department also wants to introduce jet skies and other water sports in Rushikonda, Kalingapatnam, Bheemunipatnam, Nelapadu, and Suryalanka.

Officials said with this kind of activity, Domestic Tourism will get a huge boost. The officials are also planning some incentives for house boats, similar to those in Kerala. (Source: The Times of India)
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