Solar-Electric Passenger Boats Launched in Ganga at Varanasi

Why in News?

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and UP Tourism Department flagged off solar-electric passenger boats on the Ganga at Varanasi on July 26, 2026.

Key Points

• The zero-emission electric catamarans will replace diesel-powered boats across Varanasi's 84 historic ghats.
• Each boat carries 50 passengers, runs at 10 knots, and uses fast-charging solar docks.
• The fleet is expected to prevent over 1,200 tonnes of carbon emissions and stop toxic oil spills into the river.
• The boats operate on National Waterway-1 (Haldia to Prayagraj) under the World Bank-supported Jal Marg Vikas Project.

Exam Connect

• IWAI → established October 27, 1986 + under IWAI Act, 1985 → headquarters Noida, Uttar Pradesh → under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
• National Waterway-1 → Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system + Haldia to Prayagraj → India's longest inland waterway