India's First Indigenous Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vessel Arrives in Varanasi
Key Ideas
- India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel, capable of carrying 50 passengers, arrived in Varanasi.
- Trials on the Ganga river, supervised by experts from Cochin Shipyard, will take place before operating between Kashi and Praygaraj during the Mahakumbh.
- The vessel, a part of PM Modi's Harit Nauka Initiative, highlights India's move towards embracing clean energy solutions and reducing carbon footprint.
- The vessel's speed, initially at 6.5 knots, can reach up to 20-25 km per hour, showcasing potential for efficient transportation on waterways.
The first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel in India arrived in Varanasi, showcasing the country's commitment to clean energy solutions. Manufactured by Cochin Shipyard under PM Modi's Harit Nauka Initiative, the 24-meter vessel with a capacity to carry 50 passengers is fully air-conditioned and capable of running at speeds of 20-25 km per hour. The vessel's trials on the Ganga, supervised by Cochin Shipyard experts, will span six months, with plans to operate it between Kashi and Praygaraj during the Mahakumbh. The vessel's arrival at Multimodal Terminal Jalhupur in Varanasi marks a significant step towards promoting eco-friendly transportation. Despite encountering challenges like low water levels on the Haldia-Varanasi route, the vessel's potential to revolutionize waterway transportation in India is evident.