On December 11, 2025, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off India's first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell-powered passenger vessel from Namo Ghat in Varanasi, marking a landmark milestone in India's green maritime sector. The vessel was developed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and is operated by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) on National Waterway-1 (NW-1), the Ganga river. Key technical specifications: the vessel carries 50 passengers with full air-conditioning, uses Low-Temperature PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cell technology, can operate for approximately 8 hours on a single hydrogen refill, and emits only water — making navigation on the Ganga completely pollution-free. The vessel marks India's entry into zero-emission inland water transport, aligning with the National Green Hydrogen Mission (launched January 2023, target: 5 MMT green hydrogen production by 2030), and the broader Harit Nauka initiative to decarbonise India's inland waterways. IWAI manages over 111 national waterways across India under the National Waterways Act, 2016. The Ganga, designated as NW-1, is the longest national waterway at 1,620 km (Allahabad-Haldia). This development is significant for Rajasthan context as it demonstrates India's commitment to renewable energy and indigenous manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat framework — the National Green Hydrogen Mission also envisions hydrogen as a future fuel for Rajasthan's energy transition given the state's abundant solar potential.
India's First Indigenous Hydrogen Fuel Cell Passenger Vessel Begins Commercial Operations in Varanasi
On December 11, 2025, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off India's first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell-powered passenger vessel from Namo Ghat in Varanasi, marking a landmark milestone in India's green maritime sector. The vessel was developed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and is operated by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) on National Waterway-1 (NW-1), the Ganga river. Key technical specifications: the vessel carries 50 passengers with full air-conditioning, uses Low-Temperature PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cell technology, can operate for approximately 8 hours on a single hydrogen refill, and emits only water — making navigation on the Ganga completely pollution-free. The vessel marks India's entry into zero-emission inland water transport, aligning with the National Green Hydrogen Mission (launched January 2023, target: 5 MMT green hydrogen production by 2030), and the broader Harit Nauka initiative to decarbonise India's inland waterways. IWAI manages over 111 national waterways across India under the National Waterways Act, 2016. The Ganga, designated as NW-1, is the longest national waterway at 1,620 km (Allahabad-Haldia). This development is significant for Rajasthan context as it demonstrates India's commitment to renewable energy and indigenous manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat framework — the National Green Hydrogen Mission also envisions hydrogen as a future fuel for Rajasthan's energy transition given the state's abundant solar potential.
Key facts
- India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel began operations in Varanasi on December 11, 2025.
- The vessel was developed by Cochin Shipyard Limited and operated by IWAI on National Waterway-1 (Ganga).
- It uses Low-Temperature PEM fuel cell technology and emits only water, ensuring zero pollution.
- The vessel carries 50 passengers with air-conditioning and operates 8 hours on a single hydrogen refill.
- It aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission targeting 5 MMT green hydrogen production by 2030.
- IWAI manages over 111 national waterways under the National Waterways Act, 2016.
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Practice MCQ from this story
SolveTap an option below. Correct or incorrect feedback appears instantly.
Which statement correctly describes India's first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel that began commercial service in Varanasi?
Option A is correct. PIB reported that Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the commercial operation of India's first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel at Namo Ghat, Varanasi on 11 December 2025. The 24-meter catamaran was built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd for IWAI and uses a low-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell system, releasing only water as a byproduct.
Source: DD News / PIB / ETV Bharat / Cochin Shipyard Limited
Frequently asked questions
Which organisation developed India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel?
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) developed the vessel, which is operated by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) on National Waterway-1 (the Ganga river).
Where and when was India's first hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel flagged off?
The vessel was flagged off from Namo Ghat in Varanasi on December 11, 2025, by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal.
What fuel cell technology does the hydrogen-powered vessel use, and what does it emit?
The vessel uses Low-Temperature PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cell technology and emits only water, making it a zero-pollution vessel.
What is the passenger capacity and operational range of the hydrogen fuel cell vessel on a single refill?
The vessel carries 50 passengers with full air-conditioning and can operate for 8 hours on a single hydrogen refill.
How does this vessel align with India's National Green Hydrogen Mission?
The vessel supports the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which targets the production of 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen annually by 2030, advancing India's clean energy goals.
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