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On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a new kind of ferry that runs on hydrogen fuel cells. This is the first time such a ferry has been built and used in India. The ferry, called 'Harit Nauka' or 'Green Boat', will carry passengers along the river Ganga in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
The ferry was made by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), a company that makes ships and boats. It cost Rs 18 crore to make, and most of the money came from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. This shows that the government cares about making transport more eco-friendly.
What Makes the Hydrogen Ferry Special?
The ferry is 24 meters long and can fit 50 people in its air-conditioned section. It looks like a metro train coach, but it is made of strong and light plastic. The most important part of the ferry is the 50-kW fuel cell that uses hydrogen and oxygen to make electricity. The fuel cell is also helped by a battery that stores extra power. The fuel cell is a good choice for the ferry because it is small, light, and does not get very hot. It is also used in some cars and buses.
The ferry does not need a normal battery like other electric boats. Instead, it uses hydrogen gas that is stored in five big tanks. The tanks can hold 40kg of hydrogen, which is enough to run the ferry for eight hours. The ferry also has a small solar panel that makes some extra power from the sun. The best thing about the ferry is that it does not pollute the air or make noise. It only produces water and heat as waste. It also does not need much maintenance because it has fewer parts that can break down.
How Did India Make the Hydrogen Ferry?
The ferry is a result of teamwork and innovation by many Indian organizations. CSL was responsible for making the whole ferry, including the systems that control and manage the power. The fuel cell was made by KPIT Technologies, a company in Pune that works on green technologies. The fuel cell was also supported by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Labs, a group of research institutes under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
By making the hydrogen fuel cell and the ferry in India, the country has shown that it can lead the way in using green fuels for the maritime sector.
Why Is the Hydrogen Ferry Important for India?
The hydrogen ferry is not just a boat, but a symbol of India's vision for a greener future. It shows that India is one of the first countries to use hydrogen fuel cell technology for water transport. It also supports the National Green Hydrogen Mission, a plan to make and use more hydrogen as a clean fuel.
The hydrogen ferry is part of the 'Harit Nauka' project under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The project aims to make more inland vessels that are eco-friendly. The ferry will be tested and then given to the Inland Waterways Authority of India, which manages the waterways in the country. The ferry will help people travel faster and cheaper in Varanasi, and also reduce the traffic and pollution on the roads. If the ferry works well, it can be copied and used in other places, making transport more green and convenient.
