Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, on Thursday flagged off India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell vessel at Namo Ghat, marking a major milestone in the nation’s journey toward clean and sustainable inland water transport.
The minister inaugurated the vessel’s commercial operations in the presence of senior officials and public representatives. Describing the launch as a proud moment for the nation, Mr. Sonowal said the hydrogen-powered vessel demonstrates India’s growing technological strength and commitment to green energy.
“This is not just technological progress, but a sign that we are advancing confidently towards green energy and indigenous solutions,” he said, adding that India has now joined an exclusive group of countries—including China, Norway, the Netherlands and Japan—operating hydrogen-powered vessels.
He emphasised that the achievement reflects the momentum generated under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, with inland waterways emerging as a key driver of sustainable mobility and regional development. The launch took place in Varanasi, the Prime Minister’s parliamentary constituency.
The event was attended by Uttar Pradesh 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, among others.
According to an official statement, the initiative forms part of the broader modernisation of India’s inland waterways, which places strong emphasis on clean transport, improved connectivity, and enhanced passenger convenience.