Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel at Namo Ghat in Varanasi on December 11, 2025. Developed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), the vessel uses Low-Temperature PEM fuel cell technology, enabling silent, vibration-free cruising with zero emissions — only water as a byproduct. The vessel carries 50 passengers with full air-conditioning and can operate for approximately 8 hours on a single hydrogen refill. The maiden commercial run covered a 5-km trip from Namo Ghat to Lalita Ghat. The vessel is expected to boost local tourism and position Varanasi as one of the world's first cities to adopt hydrogen-powered passenger transport on inland waterways (National Waterway 1 — the Ganga).
India's First Indigenous Hydrogen Fuel Cell Passenger Vessel Begins Commercial Service in Varanasi
India's first hydrogen fuel cell vessel launched in Varanasi by Cochin Shipyard; 50-passenger, zero-emission vessel on Ganga.
Key facts
- India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel flagged off by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at Namo Ghat, Varanasi on December 11, 2025
- Developed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) using Low-Temperature PEM fuel cell technology with zero emissions (only water as byproduct)
- Vessel carries 50 passengers with full air-conditioning and can operate approximately 8 hours on a single hydrogen refill
- Maiden commercial run covered a 5-km trip from Namo Ghat to Lalita Ghat on National Waterway 1 (the Ganga)
- Positions Varanasi as one of the world's first cities to adopt hydrogen-powered passenger transport on inland waterways
PYQPrelims/PYQ angle
- RAS 2024 Aims of National Green Hydrogen Mission of India — This vessel operationalises Green Hydrogen Mission objectives for inland waterways transport.
Mains angle
Q: Discuss the technological and policy significance of India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel launched at Varanasi on December 11, 2025.
Answer (50 words):
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off Cochin Shipyard's indigenous hydrogen fuel cell vessel at Namo Ghat, Varanasi on December 11, 2025. Using Low-Temperature PEM fuel cell technology, the 50-passenger, zero-emission craft operates eight hours per refill on National Waterway 1, advancing the Green Hydrogen Mission and decarbonising inland waterways transport.
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The hydrogen fuel cell vessel in Varanasi operates on which waterway?
The hydrogen fuel cell vessel operates on the Ganga (National Waterway 1), with its maiden run from Namo Ghat to Lalita Ghat in Varanasi.
Source: PIB
Frequently asked questions
Who flagged off India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel and when?
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal flagged it off at Namo Ghat in Varanasi on December 11, 2025.
Which organization developed the vessel and what fuel cell technology does it use?
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) developed the vessel. It uses Low-Temperature PEM fuel cell technology, enabling silent, vibration-free cruising with zero emissions and only water as a byproduct.
What are the passenger capacity and operating duration of the hydrogen vessel?
The vessel carries 50 passengers with full air-conditioning and can operate for approximately 8 hours on a single hydrogen refill.
What route did the maiden commercial run cover and what is its expected local impact?
The maiden commercial run covered a 5-km trip from Namo Ghat to Lalita Ghat. The vessel is expected to boost local tourism and position Varanasi among the world's first cities to adopt hydrogen-powered passenger transport on inland waterways.
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