Making a leap towards achieving its clean energy goals, India’s first indigenously-made hydrogen fuel-cell vessel was flagged off in Varanasi on Thursday by the Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal.
The ceremony was held at Namo Ghat, where the minister inaugurated the vessel’s commercial operations, calling it a “matter of national pride that India has now joined the list of countries such as China, Norway, the Netherlands, and Japan that operate hydrogen-powered vessels”.
Sonowal said the hydrogen-powered vessel reflects India’s growing technological capabilities and its commitment to sustainable energy. “This is not just technological progress, but a sign that we are advancing confidently towards green energy and indigenous solutions,” he said.
Attributing the achievement to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sonowal said it “proves that our technical capabilities are ready for the future”.
Also Read: Death toll in stone quarry collapse in UP climbs to 6
“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,” he added.
Also present on the occasion were 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.
According to an official statement, the initiative is part of the ongoing modernisation of India’s inland waterways under PM Modi’s leadership, who has prioritised clean transport, improved connectivity and enhanced public convenience.
Follow us
