India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel begins commercial service at Varanasi
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the commercial operation of India's first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel at Namo Ghat, Varanasi, on 11 December 2025.
Summary
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the commercial operation of India's first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel at Namo Ghat, Varanasi, on 11 December 2025. The hydrogen vessel, a 24-metre catamaran with 50 seats, runs on a Low Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (LT-PEM) fuel cell system that turns stored hydrogen into electricity and releases only water. Owned by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd, the vessel entered service after trial operations.
Key facts
- Date
- 11 December 2025
- Place
- Namo Ghat, Varanasi (Ganga)
- Flagged off by
- Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister, MoPSW
- Technology
- Low Temperature PEM fuel cell; only water as by-product
- Vessel
- 24-metre catamaran, 50 seats
- Owner / Builder
- IWAI / Cochin Shipyard Ltd
Practice MCQs 3 questions
India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel began commercial service on 11 December 2025 at which place?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Namo Ghat, Varanasi
PIB 2202412: Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the vessel's commercial operation at Namo Ghat, Varanasi.
Which shipyard built India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel, owned by IWAI?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Cochin Shipyard Ltd
PIB 2202412: the vessel, owned by the Inland Waterways Authority of India, was built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd.
What type of fuel cell system powers the hydrogen passenger vessel launched at Varanasi on 11 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Low Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell
PIB 2202412: the vessel operates on a Low Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell system that converts stored hydrogen into electricity, releasing only water.