An Electric Boat Conversion Pilot Project was launched on 23 July 2026 on the Ganga in Varanasi to convert traditional passenger boats into electric vessels.
Pilot Launch
- Date & Location: 23 July 2026; Namo Ghat, Varanasi.
- Implementing agencies: Varanasi Development Authority and GAIL (India) Limited.
Technical Features
- Powertrain: 15 kW electric outboard motor on the first five converted boats.
- Energy storage: 20 kWh lithium‑ion battery pack per boat.
- Range & Operations: Minimum three round trips between Assi Ghat and Namo Ghat on a single charge (operational estimate).
- Onboard systems: EV charger, digital display, GPS tracking and remote monitoring.
- Shore infrastructure: Charging points installed at ghats for turnaround operations.
Project Scale & Replication
- Conversion target: 20 traditional passenger boats in the first phase; initial operational fleet of five boats.
- Other Indian projects: Diesel-to-electric conversions reported in West Bengal (June 2026); electric ferry Dheu delivered by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (Jan 2025).
Policy & Institutional Linkages
- GAIL status: Maharatna central public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
- Sector classification: Electric passenger boats form part of inland waterway electrification and low‑emission water transport.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- Regulatory interfaces: Inland vessel operations fall under inland waterways rules; shore‑power and charging standards interact with electricity and EV regulations.
- Technical note: A 20 kWh battery equals 0.02 MWh; real‑world range affected by load, river current and auxiliary systems.