(Gadkari, who took charge…) "The way there is an Airports Authority of India ( AAI), we are preparing a waterport authority in the country, we are going to begin the network of seaplanes in the country, we have discussed it with the Maharashtra state government, " Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari said at a panel discussion on a TV channel. "We have permitted plying of seaplanes in the country, " Gadkari said. He said the plan will begin from Mumbai which will have a seaplane. "We have discussed it with the Maharashtra government, we are also building a helipad in Mumbai close to Oberoi hotel and are also planning to set up a 7- star hotel in the sea, " the Minister said. He said the government is hopeful of a solution to the Rs 1, 80, 000 crore worth of stalled highways projects by August 15. "Before August 15, we are hopeful that we will be able to find a solution, " he said. On Ganga, he said his department in coordination of ministries of water resources, urban development, forest and environment, industry, tourism and power was exploring the possibility of a waterway of Gangotri-Kanpur-Allahabad-Kolkata for cargo and passenger movement. The river bank can be developed in a such a fashion that tourism is also promoted by setting up airport-like terminals on its banks besides having light and sound shows, he added. Source: articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com