Current Affairs - Places - Discussion

Solar-electric passenger boats were launched on the River Ganga in Varanasi by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department. The initiative introduces zero-emission electric catamarans to replace diesel-powered boats across 84 historic ghats, promoting clean and sustainable river transport. Each boat can carry 50 passengers, travels at a speed of 10 knots, and uses fast-charging solar docks. The project is part of the Jal Marg Vikas Project on National Waterway-1 (Haldia to Prayagraj) and aims to reduce over 1,200 tonnes of carbon emissions while preventing oil pollution in the sacred Ganga River.