India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel begins commercial operations in Varanasi

December 12, 2025 10:16 AM

India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel begins commercial operations in Varanasi

India on Thursday launched its first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell-powered passenger vessel into commercial service, marking a significant step toward decarbonising the country’s inland water transport sector. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the vessel’s maiden commercial run from Namo Ghat in Varanasi. Developed by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL) and operated by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the vessel is the first in the c...

Ganga water level rises in Varanasi; schools shut, relief operations intensify

August 5, 2025 9:51 AM

Ganga water level rises in Varanasi; schools shut, relief operations intensify

The water level of the Ganga River continues to rise in Varanasi due to ongoing monsoon rains, creating a flood-like situation across several low-lying areas, including the Namo Ghat. Visuals from the ghat showed the river approaching danger levels, prompting heightened alert among authorities. In light of the situation, all schools in Varanasi, across all boards and up to Class 12, have been ordered shut for two days — August 5 and 6. “In view of the rain and flood situation in Varanasi d...