Electric Passenger Boats Launched on the Ganga

An Electric Boat Conversion Pilot Project was launched on 23 July 2026 on the Ganga River in Varanasi. The project involves the conversion of traditional passenger boats into electric boats for operation between ghats on the river.

Project Launch and Location

The first phase was inaugurated at Namo Ghat in Varanasi by the Mayor of Varanasi, Ashok Kumar Tiwari. The project is being implemented by the Varanasi Development Authority and GAIL (India) Limited.

Technical Features of the Boats

The first five converted boats use a 15 kW electric outboard motor and a 20 kWh lithium battery pack. Each boat is fitted with an EV charger, a digital display, GPS tracking, and a remote monitoring system. The boats can complete at least three round trips between Assi Ghat and Namo Ghat on a single charge. Charging infrastructure has been installed at the ghats for boat operations.

Conversion of Passenger Boats

In the first phase, 20 traditional passenger boats are being converted to electric power in Varanasi. Five boatmen, including Deepak Sahni, Rakesh Sahni, Jyotilal Nishad, Deepak Kumar Sahni, and Shubham Sahni, were honoured for converting their boats to electric systems.

Important Facts for Exams

• Varanasi is located on the banks of the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh.
• GAIL (India) Limited is a Maharatna public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
• Electric boats are classified under clean transport and low-emission water mobility systems.
• GPS tracking and remote monitoring are common features in modern electric marine transport systems.

Related Electric Boat Projects in India

In West Bengal, the Dharampal Satyapal Group and IX Energy converted a 25-seater diesel boat into an electric boat on 6 June 2026. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers delivered an electric ferry named Dheu to the West Bengal Transport Department on 9 January 2025.