Varanasi: The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, on Thursday flagged off India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell vessel at Namo Ghat in Varanasi. The event marks a significant milestone in India’s push towards clean and sustainable inland water transport. The minister inaugurated the vessel’s commercial operations, highlighting its importance in advancing green energy and homegrown technological solutions.
A Leap in Green Technology and Indigenous Innovation
Addressing the gathering, Minister Sonowal said, “This is not just technological progress, but a sign that we are advancing confidently towards green energy and indigenous solutions.” He added that India has now joined countries like China, Norway, the Netherlands, and Japan in operating hydrogen-powered vessels, demonstrating the nation’s growing technological capabilities.
“This proves that our technical capabilities are ready for the future. This has been made possible due to the Prime Minister’s visionary leadership. The speed and approach with which every sector has been advancing has ensured that inland waterways now play an important role in India’s development journey,” Sonowal said, noting that Varanasi is also Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency.
Support from State Ministers and Public Representatives
The ceremony was attended by Uttar Pradesh’s Minister of State for Transport (Independent Charge) Dayashankar Singh, Minister of State for Ayush, Food Safety and Drug Administration (Independent Charge) Dayashankar Mishra, and Minister of State for Stamp and Court Fees and Registration (Independent Charge) Ravindra Jaiswal, along with other public representatives.
Part of India’s Inland Waterways Modernisation Drive
According to an official statement, the hydrogen-powered vessel initiative is part of the ongoing modernisation of India’s inland waterways. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the program aims to promote clean transport, improve connectivity, and enhance public convenience, while supporting the country’s broader goals of sustainable development and green energy adoption.
About India’s Inland Water Transport Initiative
India’s inland waterways network plays a vital role in improving trade, transportation, and connectivity, while reducing carbon emissions. The introduction of hydrogen fuel-cell vessels marks a significant step in the country’s transition towards eco-friendly and technologically advanced water transport solutions.
