In a landmark development for eco-friendly inland water transport, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Ltd laid the keels for 13 hybrid ferries commissioned by the Transport Department of the Government of West Bengal. The ceremony was held on Thursday at GRSE’s Kolkata shipyard and attended by senior officials including West Bengal Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty, MoS Dilip Mondal, GRSE CMD Cmde PR Hari (Retd), and WBTIDCL Chairman Dr. Moinul Hassan.
This event marks a significant step in implementing green transport solutions along the River Hooghly, spanning routes from Triveni to Diamond Harbour within the Kolkata Metropolitan Area.
Hybrid Ferries: Technology and Sustainability Combined
The ferries, hybrid-powered using battery-electric propulsion supported by diesel generators, are designed to operate with high energy efficiency and lower emissions. Built with aluminium and Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) in catamaran hull configurations, the ferries offer lightweight construction with high durability—optimizing performance and reducing carbon footprints.
The vessels will be delivered in two variants–
- Six twin-deck ferries
- Passenger capacity: 200
- Length: 30 metres
- Speed: Up to 12 knots
- Air-conditioned main decks
- Total cost: ₹126 crore
- Seven single-deck ferries
- Passenger capacity: 100
- Length: 25 metres
- Speed: Up to 9 knots
- Total cost: ₹100 crore
A Vision Rooted in Sustainability
Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty credited Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s vision for driving Bengal’s push for sustainable urban transport. He applauded GRSE’s recent achievement in delivering ‘Dheu’, India’s largest and fastest fully electric ferry, as a model of innovation and commitment to green infrastructure.
“These hybrid ferries will set a new benchmark in India’s inland waterway transport. We aim to make Bengal a model for eco-friendly mobility,” said Chakraborty.
GRSE Leads the Way for Green Maritime Future: Lays the keels of 13 Hybrid Ferries for Government of West Bengal
— GRSE – Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (@OfficialGRSE) May 29, 2025
Kolkata (May 29, 2025): It was a red-letter day for Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd on Thursday, 29th May, 2025, when the keels of 13 hybrid ferries,… pic.twitter.com/3fH2sdqhfZ
GRSE: Leading India’s Maritime Green Transition
GRSE CMD Cmde PR Hari highlighted the company’s role in India’s maritime sustainability journey. “GRSE is proud to be at the forefront of green maritime infrastructure. We are committed to delivering world-class vessels that help reduce carbon emissions and modernize riverine transport,” he said.
The 13 hybrid ferries are expected to not only improve commuter connectivity and safety but also strengthen India’s larger decarbonization agenda, promoting inland waterways as a viable, sustainable alternative to road-based urban transport.
A New Era for Kolkata’s River Transport
Once operational, the ferries will be run by the West Bengal Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (WBTIDCL), offering modern, environment-friendly transport solutions to thousands of daily commuters. The project is aligned with national efforts under initiatives like Gati Shakti and Clean Energy Transition, reinforcing West Bengal’s leadership in green public transport innovation.
About GRSE
GRSE,established in 1884 and headquartered in Kolkata, is one of India’s leading defence shipyards and a key contributor to the country’s naval shipbuilding capabilities. It is a Category I Miniratna PSU operating under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence. With a legacy of over 140 years, GRSE has played a pivotal role in designing and constructing a wide variety of complex naval vessels for the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and friendly foreign navies.
