Solar Electric Boat: India's largest electric boat Indra, runs on sunlight

The Kerala State Water Transport Department (SWTD) has demonstrated the efficacy of its green initiative with the launch of 'Indra,' the largest solar-powered boat in the nation. After just two weeks of operation in the Kochi lakes, it is nearly operating at maximum capacity.

This 100-seater cruise ship was constructed specifically with tourists in mind. which features an "open space" for visitors to enjoy panoramic views on the upper deck. In addition, there are food counters and onboard entertainment options.

Traffic SP M Sujith said, "Daily collection has touched the Rs 18,000 mark, the ship is running at full capacity on weekends and holidays. With the beginning of summer holidays, we are getting advance group bookings."

The boat, which cost Rs 3.5 crore, was launched on March 31. It runs two cruise trips daily, each lasting three hours. The official said, "There is a huge demand for evening, sunset trips as this ship is one of the few tourist services that go to the mouth of the ocean. Since it runs on solar power, the operating costs will be very low. More importantly, The point is that there will be no carbon or noise pollution."

Beginning at the Ernakulam Boat Jetty, the ship sails to Bolgatty Palace, Vallarpadam, Container Terminal, Vyappin, Kamalakadavu, and Fort Kochi via Willingdon Island. Adult tickets cost 300 rupees, while children's tickets cost 150 coins.

SWTD has tied up with Kudumbashree to provide food counter facilities onboard. Where refreshments and breakfast are provided to the tourists. SWTD director Shaji V Nair said, "Vega, another tourist cruise ship stationed in the backwaters of Alappuzha, was the first ship to have an onboard food counter. The collection of which in two years touched Rs 5 crore. Its success led us to Indra I am also encouraged to present delicious dishes."

Initially, services were operated at 10 am and 3 pm. However, the current extremely humid conditions have prompted SWTD to introduce evening journeys from 4 pm onwards. Shaji said, given this, to provide convenience to maximum customers, the morning journey has been rescheduled from 11 am.

To further its green initiatives, SWTD plans to add at least one solar boat to its fleet every month this year.

"Work on these 14 IRS (Indian Registrar of Shipping) class ships with varying passenger capacities is underway at various private yards," Shaji said.