India plans to convert 1,000 cargo and passenger vessels to solar energy within five years, boosting eco-friendly transport.
In a major step towards sustainable transport, the Union Ministry of Water Transport announced a five-year initiative to convert 1,000 cargo and passenger vessels to solar energy. Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the growing importance of inland water transport, noting cargo movement has surged from 18.01 metric tons in 2014 to 133 metric tons. “We aim to make water transport eco-friendly, starting with solar-powered cargo vessels,” Sonowal stated during the Inland Waterways Development Council meeting in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park.
Investment in the sector is set to rise significantly, from the current ₹7,000 crore to ₹50,000 crore. Key projects worth ₹1,400 crore, including a National River Traffic System, were inaugurated in Assam. The ministry also launched the Jal Bahak initiative, offering up to 35% incentives for water transport users on National Waterways 1 and 2. Plans for urban water transport in 15 cities and regional skill centers further underline the ministry’s vision.
