India to Launch 1,000 Solar-Powered Vessels and Metro Water Transport in 15 Cities
India is embarking on an ambitious green energy project, aiming to significantly enhance river transport while addressing climate change challenges. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced at the second Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) meeting in Kaziranga that 1,000 solar-powered vessels will be introduced across the country within the next five years. This initiative aims to boost both passenger and cargo movement on national waterways while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
In addition to the green energy vessels, the government is also planning a metro water transport system for 15 major cities, including Guwahati. This initiative will be modelled on the success of Kochi’s metro water transport system in Kerala, which has proven to be an efficient and eco-friendly solution for urban mobility. This multi-pronged approach includes a Rs 50,000 crore investment in the next five years for the development of national waterways. On the day of the IWDC meeting, Sonowal, alongside Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, inaugurated and laid the foundation for projects worth Rs 1,400 crore in 21 states. The focus of the meeting was to level up solutions for overcoming challenges and unlocking opportunities for economic growth, particularly in the river transport sector. The launch of the Riverine Community Development Scheme is a major policy initiative aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of riverine communities. The scheme will focus on skill enrichment, infrastructure development, and promoting trade and tourism. Additionally, the National River Traffic & Navigation System (NRT&NS) was unveiled, along with a Central Database Module to streamline certification for vessel owners.
The development of nine Regional Centres of Excellence (RCoE), including one in Dibrugarh, Assam, is part of the government’s strategy to foster innovation and skill development in the Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector. The government also announced several new infrastructure projects, such as tourist jetties and a new 500-metre road linking the under-construction Ship Repair Facility and Pandu Port in Guwahati. One of the key takeaways from the meeting was the impressive growth in river cruise tourism, which has seen a dramatic rise from three vessels in 2013-14 to 25 in 2023-24. The ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’, launched to further boost this sector, envisions the establishment of 10 sea cruise terminals, 100 river cruise terminals, and five marinas over the next five years. This comprehensive development plan offers significant advantages for both the economy and the environment. The shift to green energy-powered vessels will reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thereby contributing to India’s climate change mitigation goals. The focus on waterways transportation also promises reduced congestion on roads, lower pollution levels, and enhanced trade connectivity, especially in the northeast. Furthermore, the development of regional trade agreements with neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar will foster regional cooperation and enhance economic ties.
Assam Chief Minister Sarma highlighted the importance of shifting 30% of transport volumes to waterways, stressing its potential to reduce carbon emissions and address climate change. The planned infrastructure projects, including dredgers and vessels for river Barak in southern Assam, will enhance flood management and boost local economies. In sum, the push for solar-powered vessels and metro water transport systems signals a transformative shift towards a more sustainable and efficient transport network in India, benefiting both the environment and communities across the nation.
