The final, fourth residency of ninth batch commenced at the Hyderabad campus from January 16 to January 25, 2026. During this residency, participants engaged in core courses focused on the infrastructure sector and presented their Action Learning Projects.

Team Members:

• Arpit Kohli
• Gaddam Nagaraju
• Maniteja Kolan
• Mogga Manohar
• Padam Raj
• Syed Amanullah

Synopsis:

This Action Learning Project examines the feasibility of introducing seaplane operations in India as an innovative solution to enhance regional and last-mile connectivity. With a coastline of over 7,500 km, numerous rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and island territories, India possesses significant natural potential for seaplane operations. The study evaluates whether seaplanes can be sustainably integrated into the country’s existing transportation ecosystem to improve accessibility to remote and tourism-driven destinations.

The project analyses multiple dimensions including technical feasibility, policy and regulatory frameworks, route suitability, financial viability, and socio-economic impacts. It highlights how seaplanes can operate using natural water bodies as runways, requiring comparatively lower infrastructure investment than conventional airports. This makes them particularly suitable for connecting coastal regions, island territories such as Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep, inland waterways, and remote tourist locations.

The study also reviews global best practices from countries such as Canada and the Maldives, where seaplane services successfully support regional mobility and tourism-driven travel. In the Indian context, initiatives such as the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) regional connectivity scheme and the development of water aerodromes provide policy support for the sector. However, challenges remain, including regulatory complexity, multi-agency approvals, demand uncertainty, and high operational costs.

Through route-level case studies such as Kochi–Lakshadweep, Port Blair–Havelock, Sabarmati–Statue of Unity, and Vijayawada–Srisailam, the report evaluates potential operational models and travel-time advantages over existing modes. The analysis suggests that seaplane services can be financially viable on high-tourism and premium routes, particularly when supported through PPP structures, aircraft leasing models, and initial government subsidies.

Overall, the project concludes that seaplane operations in India are technically feasible and strategically beneficial, especially for tourism development, regional connectivity, and disaster response. With the right regulatory reforms, infrastructure planning, and public-private collaboration, seaplanes could emerge as a niche yet impactful component of India’s multimodal transport network.

Team Members:

• Darur Vishal
• Gaurav Patankar
• Rohan Gigi George
• Shubham Vatsa
• Swapna Bharatha
• Vaibhav Kulkarni

Synopsis:

This Action Learning Project explores the application of the “15-Minute City” planning concept in North Bengaluru, particularly focusing on Devanahalli, a rapidly growing suburb near Kempegowda International Airport. The study addresses the challenges arising from rapid urban expansion, including increasing travel distances, fragmented service distribution, and rising dependence on private vehicles. It proposes a data-driven planning framework aimed at creating walkable, self-sufficient neighbourhoods where essential services such as work, education, healthcare, retail, and recreation can be accessed within a 15-minute walk or cycling distance.

Using GIS-based spatial analysis, the study evaluates existing land-use patterns, infrastructure distribution, and accessibility to essential services across the Bengaluru North region. A hexagonal grid-based methodology was applied to map population density and the location of key amenities, enabling the identification of areas with insufficient access to services. The analysis revealed that accessibility gaps are primarily caused by uneven spatial distribution of amenities rather than a shortage of infrastructure, highlighting the need for better planning and service allocation.

The research also incorporates resident perception surveys using a Likert-scale framework, evaluating dimensions such as accessibility, recreation, inclusivity, sustainability, and future readiness. The findings suggest that Devanahalli shows strong public support and readiness for the 15-minute city model, though challenges remain in areas such as waste management, environmental quality, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

To address these gaps, the project proposes integrated urban planning interventions, including mixed-use land development, improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, neighbourhood-level healthcare and service facilities, and enhanced last-mile public transport connectivity. A Policy–Plan–Project (3P) governance framework along with innovative financing approaches such as land value capture and public-private partnerships is recommended to support implementation.

Overall, the study demonstrates how proximity-based planning can guide sustainable urban growth, positioning Devanahalli and North Bengaluru as a model for inclusive, accessible, and environmentally sustainable neighbourhood development in rapidly urbanising Indian cities.

Punj Lloyd Institute of Infrastructure Management

Indian School of Business, Knowledge City,
Sector 81, Mohali 140306.