Overview
- Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the vessel at Namo Ghat, marking the start of commercial operations on the Varanasi riverfront.
- Built by Cochin Shipyard for the Inland Waterways Authority of India, the 50-passenger catamaran uses low-temperature PEM fuel cells with battery backup, producing only water and heat during operation.
- Initial services run multiple daily trips between Namo Ghat and Ravidas Ghat, with planned extensions to Asi Ghat and Markandeya Dham according to officials.
- Reports say hydrogen supply will come from a Bengaluru-based company and refuelling arrangements have been set up in Varanasi, including a dedicated station at the Ramnagar terminal as reported by local media.
- Officials frame the rollout as a Make in India milestone and a step toward cleaner inland transport, while analysts note scaling will require hydrogen production, bunkering infrastructure, higher upfront investment, and rigorous safety and crew training.