| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | India launches first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel |
| Location | Namo Ghat, Varanasi (operational on Ganga) |
| Flagged Off By | Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal |
| Built By | Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL) |
| Owned By | Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) |
| Fuel Technology | Low Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell (hydrogen to electricity, emits only water) |
| Key Features | - 24-meter catamaran (50 passenger capacity, AC cabin) - 6.5 knots speed, 8-hour runtime per hydrogen fill - Hybrid system: Fuel cell + batteries + solar - Zero pollution (no noise/smoke) - Certified by Indian Register of Shipping |
| Pilot Agreement | Tripartite pact between IWAI, CSL, and Inland and Coastal Shipping Ltd. for technical, safety, and financial oversight |
| First Commercial Route | Namo Ghat to Lalita Ghat (5 km) |
| Attendees (Maiden Run) | Union Minister Sonowal, UP Ministers, Varanasi Mayor, IWAI officials |
| Strategic Vision | Aligns with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 for decarbonization and modernizing water transport |
| Global Significance | Varanasi among first cities globally to deploy hydrogen-powered passenger vessels |
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