On 20th February, Friday evening, the waters of Vembanad Lake at Vaikom will witness a historic moment — the launch of three new solar-electric ferries alongside India’s pioneering solar commuter vessel Aditya. With this, the entire ferry service at Vaikom will operate without a single drop of fossil fuel, making it the first public water transport network in India with zero fuel consumption.
From One to Four: The Solar Ferry Revolution
Nearly nine years ago, on 12 January 2017, Aditya — India’s first solar-powered ferry — was inaugurated by the Kerala Chief Minister, Sri. Pinarayi Vijayan and the then Union Minister for Power & Renewable Energy, Sri. Piyush Goyal and began service on the Vaikom–Thavanakadavu route. Since then, it has established an undeniable proof-point for solar-electric mobility on water — transporting millions of passengers reliably, covering hundreds of thousands of kilometres, and completely eliminating fuel costs and emissions from its service.
Fast forward to January 2026, and the solar revolution that Aditya helped initiate has grown into a series of next-generation ferries. Aditya Version 2 — a more capable platform with higher-capacity batteries, advanced propulsion, and expanded range — has now moved beyond a single vessel and into fleet-level deployments.
Among the 4 new Version 2 ferries being delivered this month, three have been assigned to Vaikom, joining the original Aditya. Together, this quartet will ensure that every public ferry plying from Vaikom’s terminal is solar electric, eliminating fuel consumption entirely and dramatically cutting operating costs and carbon emissions.
Why This Matters
Zero Fuel, Zero Emissions — With all four ferries powered by solar energy, Vaikom becomes a beacon of clean mobility on water in India, showcasing what is possible when renewable power meets public transport.
Public Transport, Not Just a Demonstration — Unlike many pilot projects that struggle to scale, these vessels are part of mainstream daily operations, ferrying commuters reliably without diesel.
Upgraded Capabilities — The newer Version 2 ferries bring improved battery capacity, range and efficiency, making solar-electric boats viable for longer routes and heavier usage patterns.
A Proud Milestone for Kerala and India
The 20th February inauguration will be more than just a ceremonial launch. It will mark the moment when a government-run water transport system crosses the threshold from innovation into sustained sustainable operations — with no fuel, no pollution, and clear proof that solar electric vessels can be the backbone of green public transport.
As Kerala’s leaders gather to celebrate this achievement, Vaikom will stand as a model for other cities and states in India — and indeed the world — showing that public transport on water can be clean, economical, and genuinely renewable.
Sandith Thandasherry 