India launches first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell vessel in Varanasi

India took a significant step in its clean transport push as Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the country’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell vessel at Namo Ghat, marking the start of its commercial operations on the Ganga.

The Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister said the hydrogen-powered vessel reflects India’s expanding technological capability and its transition toward sustainable energy. “This is not just technological progress, but a sign that we are advancing confidently towards green energy and indigenous solutions,” he said.

Sonowal noted that India has now joined countries such as China, Norway, the Netherlands and Japan in operating hydrogen-powered vessels. “This proves that our technical capabilities are ready for the future. This has been made possible due to the Prime Minister’s visionary leadership. The speed and approach with which every sector has been advancing has ensured that inland waterways now play an important role in India’s development journey,” he said in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency.

The event was attended by Uttar Pradesh Minister of State for Transport (Independent Charge) Dayashankar Singh, Minister of State for Ayush, Food Safety and Drug Administration (Independent Charge) Dayashankar Mishra, and Minister of State for Stamp and Court Fees and Registration (Independent Charge) Ravindra Jaiswal.

According to an official statement, the launch is part of the ongoing modernisation of India’s inland waterways under Modi’s leadership, with a focus on clean transport, improved connectivity and enhanced public convenience.