Innovation in any field is key for the development of the nation, which will help governments create wealth for sustainable implementation of welfare programmes, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu said on Saturday.

Speaking at the inauguration of the ‘seaplane’ on the Krishna river at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada, the chief minister said the revolutionary changes through seaplane connectivity will pave the way for the development of the state by supporting both transport and tourism sectors.

Naidu traveled by seaplane from Prakasam Dam to Srisailam, accompanied by Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu. Later, both leaders attended the seaplane display jointly organized by the Union civil aviation ministry and Andhra Pradesh tourism development corporation at Patalganga in Srisailam temple town.

Naidu said the seaplane initiative has immense economic and employment potential in the state and will significantly contribute to wealth creation. “Welfare programs cannot be sustained without wealth. “Effective use of modern technology can help eliminate poverty and develop people,” he said.

The Prime Minister highlighted the potential of seaplane services to revolutionize transportation. He pointed out that seaplanes can efficiently connect cities and towns with their 934 kilometers of coastline without the need for airports. He also announced plans to develop 10 seaplanes within a year, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships (PPP) in supporting infrastructure growth.

In addition, places like Gandikota, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of India”, have untapped tourism potential and have highlighted the need for better hotels, hospitality and transport infrastructure to attract visitors.

Naidu mentioned that 100 types of civic services will soon be launched that can be accessed through WhatsApp, eliminating the need for physical visits to government offices. He highlighted the transformative role of technology in agriculture, from drones to real-time data for decision-making, and called for a focus on “smart work” rather than “hard work” for greater efficiency and productivity.

Naidu also announced the state’s efforts to promote deep technology that will enable youth to provide global services. Citing the central government’s support for the Seaplane Initiative, he said the simplified procedures will benefit the public and pave the way for innovative transport solutions.