India’s clean energy milestone to meet sustainable tourism practice

Saturday, February 24, 2024

Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, India reached a significant milestone in clean energy and sustainable tourism. At an event in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Modi dedicated two hybrid electric catamaran vessels – MV Guh and MV Nishadraj – to the nation.

These vessels, built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) through the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), will operate on the River Saryu in Ayodhya and the River Ganga in Varanasi, respectively. With a seating capacity of 50 passengers each, these state-of-the-art vessels are powered by fast-charging batteries, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 400 MT annually and promote religious tourism in the state. Indigenously built, the vessels will now be managed by the Uttar Pradesh government.

India’s urban water transport sector is witnessing a surge in momentum as a sustainable solution for alleviating congestion and pollution in metropolitan areas. Initiatives like waterway development and the introduction of modern vessels are enhancing connectivity and encouraging eco-friendly commuting options.

The implementation of the Harit Nauka Guidelines underscores the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways’ commitment to revolutionizing the maritime sector through green initiatives. The guidelines aim to establish a green ecosystem by adopting environmentally friendly vessels and transitioning to low/zero emission fuel sources, with the goal of achieving 100% green vessels in Indian waters by 2047.

In addition, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated four community jetties in Varanasi and laid the foundation stone for 13 more along National Waterway 1 (NW 1) in Varanasi, Mathura, and Prayagraj. These initiatives are part of the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), which seeks to enhance the navigability of the 1390 km stretch of NW1 from Varanasi to Haldia. Sixty community jetties are being developed under JMVP to improve socio-economic conditions along the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system, facilitating local trade, promoting tourism, and enhancing hinterland connectivity for farmers, traders, and industries.

« Back to Page