In a landmark step towards cleaner, greener transportation, India on Thursday unveiled its first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell vessel, officially flagged off by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal at the iconic Namo Ghat in Varanasi.
The ceremony marks a major breakthrough in India’s journey towards sustainable inland water transport, placing the nation among a select group of countries—including China, Norway, the Netherlands, and Japan—that operate hydrogen-powered vessels.
A National Leap Toward Green Energy Excellence
Addressing the gathering, Minister Sonowal called the launch a moment of pride for India’s technological prowess and climate ambition.
“This is not just technological progress, but a sign that we are advancing confidently towards green energy and indigenous solutions,”
he said, emphasizing that the achievement reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong push for innovation and environmental responsibility.
Sonowal added that the vessel’s successful deployment showcases India’s readiness for futuristic, carbon-free transportation, particularly at a time when the world is rapidly shifting towards clean mobility.
A Milestone in Modi Government’s Waterways Modernisation Mission
The hydrogen vessel is a key part of the Centre’s broader program to upgrade and modernise India’s inland waterways — improving connectivity, lowering emissions, and boosting trade through eco-friendly systems.
Varanasi, also PM Modi’s parliamentary constituency, has been at the forefront of India’s inland waterway revolution, with several green technology initiatives launched in recent years.
Senior Uttar Pradesh ministers, including Dayashankar Singh, Dayashankar Mishra, and Ravindra Jaiswal, attended the inauguration, underscoring state-level support for clean mobility initiatives.
Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Technology: A Future-Ready Transport Solution
The newly launched vessel runs on hydrogen fuel-cell technology, which produces zero emissions, generates only water as a byproduct, and significantly cuts dependence on fossil fuels.
Its operations will serve as a live demonstration of India’s capability to develop indigenous clean-energy ships and support large-scale adoption of alternative fuels.
The vessel’s rollout aligns closely with global sustainability goals and India’s national targets, including:
●reducing emissions in transport,
●promoting renewable energy solutions, and
●achieving a cleaner maritime ecosystem.
Transforming India’s Water Transport Landscape
India’s inland waterways are emerging as a major pillar of the country’s future logistics framework. The introduction of hydrogen-powered vessels signals:
●reduced carbon footprint,
●better energy efficiency,
●enhanced connectivity, and
●a shift towards sustainable public transport.
As the country expands its green maritime fleet, this vessel becomes a powerful symbol of India’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and climate leadership.
