Prime Minister to launch 50-passenger domestically built hybrid-electric catamaran in Kolkata

The Prime Minister inaugurated a new 50-passenger hybrid-electric catamaran in Kolkata on January 18, 2026, as part of efforts to expand urban river mobility and eco-tourism along the Hooghly River. Built domestically by Cochin Shipyard Ltd, the aluminium twin-hull vessel is one of six electric catamarans delivered for inland water transport and is aimed at improving last-mile connectivity and sustainable urban ferry services.

The catamaran uses hybrid-electric propulsion paired with lithium-titanate battery technology, enabling fully electric operation for zero-emission trips and a hybrid mode for longer endurance. Its 50-passenger capacity positions it for short urban crossings, commuter routes, and low-impact sightseeing services where emissions and noise reduction matter to local communities and visitors alike.

For operators and local authorities the immediate value is practical: quieter, cleaner runs on inner-river routes can reduce air and noise pollution in dense waterfront neighborhoods while expanding service options where road congestion limits access. The domestically built nature of the craft also highlights growing local shipbuilding capability, which can shorten delivery times for future hulls and keep maintenance and overhaul work within regional yards.

Shipyards, maintenance teams, and ferry operators will need to coordinate on charging and hybrid-support infrastructure, crew training and battery-handling protocols as these vessels enter service. Lithium-titanate batteries and hybrid systems introduce new maintenance cycles and safety checklists compared with conventional diesel ferries, and shore-side charging logistics will influence scheduling and turnaround times for high-frequency routes.

Regulators and planners can use this launch as a working example when designing route timetables, docking facilities and ticketing integration for river-first transit networks. For eco-tourism operators, the catamaran offers a platform for quieter, low-emission excursions that can be marketed to visitors seeking urban river experiences without the environmental footprint of older craft.

The launch also signals a potential scaling path for inland water transport on the Hooghly and similar waterways: six domestically constructed electric catamarans mean a foothold for electric propulsion in routine service, and a testbed for how hybrid operation balances range and zero-emission segments. Watch for the rollout of the remaining vessels and for local authorities to publish timetables and route assignments as services begin.

What this means for readers is tangible: expect more river trips that are cleaner and quieter, new opportunities for local yards and crews to gain hybrid-electric experience, and a practical step toward integrating electric catamarans into daily urban transport and tourism on the Hooghly.