Nine years ago, Vaikom witnessed a quiet revolution.
When Aditya, India’s first solar ferry, was inaugurated at the Vaikom boat station, it was more than the launch of a vessel. It was the beginning of a new way of thinking about public water transport — silent, clean, and fuel-free.
Yesterday, at the inauguration of three new Aditya series 75-passenger solar-electric ferries, that journey came full circle.
Remembering the First Landmark
Director of Water Transport, Shaji Nair, emotionally recollected the first milestone at Vaikom nine years ago — the commissioning of Aditya. He spoke about the skepticism that surrounded the project at the time, and the transformation it triggered.
What started as an experiment became proof. What seemed futuristic became practical. Today, that experiment has evolved into a system-wide transformation.
A New History in the Making
With the addition of three more Aditya series ferries, the entire Vaikom boat station is now solar-electric. Every ferry operating from the station runs without fossil fuel. But the transformation does not stop there.
A 20 kW solar power plant installed on shore was also kicked off. Until now, the only operating energy cost at the station was grid electricity for charging. With this new solar plant offsetting grid consumption, the station moves toward becoming a zero-energy public ferry hub.
Shaji Nair promised that the department would publish the operational and energy figures after one year — allowing the public to see the impact in measurable terms.
Transparency. Accountability. Confidence.
A Vision for a Fossil-Free Future
C.K. Asha, MLA of Vaikom, recalled the importance of Aditya in changing perceptions about solar mobility. She expressed hope that this transformation will position Vaikom as a model station — a forefront example of how public transport can become completely fossil-free.
Hon’ble Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar emphasized that the Vaikom experiment is not an isolated initiative. He spoke about scaling this model to other boat stations across Kerala.
He also highlighted an important operational upgrade — the new ferries are equipped with larger battery systems, enabling operations even during night hours, extending service flexibility beyond daylight-dependent operations of early solar boats.
A Moment of Gratitude and Celebration
As part of the ceremony, I had the honour of handing over a commemorative gift from Navalt to mark this historic milestone.
The event concluded with ribbon-cutting ceremonies on all three ferries. Guests boarded one of the upgraded Aditya vessels for a short ride — experiencing firsthand the silent glide of solar-electric propulsion.
For many, it was a reminder of how far we have come.
A Team Effort
This day belongs to the entire Navalt team.
Over the past few days, our engineers, technicians, supervisors, and support staff worked tirelessly to ensure the ferries were ready — not just operational, but exemplary.
It also belongs to our investors (BanyanTree and my friends) , financiers (SRI Fund, NSIC, PNB Bank, SBI Bank), partners, and well-wishers who believed in this journey from the very beginning.
From one solar ferry nine years ago…to a fully solar-electric public ferry station today. Vaikom has once again made history. And this time, it sets the template for the rest of Kerala.
A truly great day for Team Navalt.
There are many more people who have worked on this project success and not be in this photo.
Sandith Thandasherry 