PM Modi Launches Green Waterway Initiatives in Varanasi

During 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) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), mark a major leap towards sustainable water transport.

MV Guh and MV Nishadraj, with a seating capacity of 50 passengers each, are powered by fast-charging batteries, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 400 MT annually. These vessels will ply on the River Saryu in Ayodhya and the River Ganga in Varanasi, promoting religious tourism while exemplifying India’s commitment to eco-friendly transportation solutions. Developed indigenously, these vessels will be operated by the Uttar Pradesh government.

In addition to the vessel inauguration, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated four community jetties in Varanasi and laid the foundation stone for 13 community jetties along National Waterway 1 (NW 1) in Varanasi and National Waterway 110 (NW 110) in Mathura and Prayagraj. These jetties, part of the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), aim to improve navigability and socio-economic conditions along the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system, fostering trade, employment, tourism, and hinterland connectivity.

Furthermore, a Quick Pontoon Opening Mechanism System (QPOMS) was inaugurated, reducing the time for dismantling and reassembly of kulfi pontoon bridges across NW-1 from six hours to 30 minutes. This system will enhance efficiency, reduce inconvenience, and optimize logistics costs, benefiting vessel and vehicular traffic.

These initiatives align with the Harit Nauka-Inland Vessels Green Transition Guidelines, emphasizing India’s commitment to eco-friendly maritime practices. Under the Maritime India Vision (MIV), MoPSW aims to increase the share of Inland Water Transport (IWT) to 5% by 2030, fostering maritime sector growth and connectivity enhancement.

The Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 outlines 46 initiatives, focusing on coastal shipping, inland water transport, infrastructure expansion, fiscal incentives, and operational strategies to propel India towards a sustainable and prosperous maritime future.