♦ Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the commercial operation of India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell passenger vessel at Namo Ghat in Varanasi on 11 December 2025. Developed by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL) and operated by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the vessel is the first in the country to demonstrate hydrogen fuel cell propulsion in a maritime environment. Powered by a Low Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell system, it emits only water, enabling completely pollution-free operations.

♦ The 24-metre air-conditioned catamaran can carry 50 passengers and operate for up to eight hours on a single hydrogen fill. Equipped with a hybrid system that integrates hydrogen fuel cells, batteries and solar power, it cruises at a service speed of around 6.5 knots. The vessel is certified by the Indian Register of Shipping.

♦ A tripartite agreement between IWAI, CSL and Inland and Coastal Shipping Ltd. governs its commercial operation, covering technical support, safety mechanisms, financial terms and periodic inspections during the pilot phase.