Vaikom to be 1st all solar-ferry terminal

Kochi: In a landmark move for sustainable public transit, Vaikom is set to become Kerala's first fully solar-powered ferry terminal. Transport minister K B Ganesh Kumar will officially launch three state-of-the-art solar ferries on Friday, as all the passenger services on the key Vaikom-Thavanakkadavu route will be operated using modern solar vessels."The initiative is part of the state govt's efforts to curb water pollution and convert half the fleet of the state water transport department (SWTD) to eco-friendly solar ferries. By replacing traditional diesel engines with those run using clean energy, Vaikom is setting a national precedent for inland water navigation," SWTD director Shaji V Nair said.The Vaikom terminal has long been a pioneer in green energy. In 2017, it became the home of Aditya, India's first solar-powered passenger ferry. Aditya's success — powered by 78 roof-mounted solar panels and capable of 5-6 hours of operation on a single sunny day — prompted the authorities to convert the terminal into an all-solar ferry one.With the induction of three 75-passenger capacity fibre-reinforced plastic solar vessels, built at a total cost of Rs 11.50 crore, the SWTD will replace the remaining steel and wooden boats currently serving the 2.5km stretch. Besides eliminating fuel discharge into the fragile backwater ecosystem, these ferries will also drastically reduce daily operational and maintenance costs. The vessels boast modern amenities and comfortable seating, which the authorities hope will attract a higher volume of daily commuters and tourists."The goal is to convert half of the state's 71-boat fleet into eco-friendly vessels by the end of this year. Most of the existing steel and wooden boats will be replaced with solar boats in a phased manner," the official said. Currently, the department operates Aditya and the 100-passenger tourism cruise Indra. However, the transition is accelerating, with 22 solar boats already under various stages of construction.The commitment to solar energy extends beyond water. Minister Ganesh Kumar is also slated to inaugurate the construction of a new station master cum office building. Funded by Rs 50 lakh from the local MLA fund, the facility is designed to be as green as the boats it manages. The roof will be fitted with maximum solar panel coverage, ensuring the station's entire energy requirement is met through renewable sources."The old station building will be demolished. The new building can meet all the energy requirements for the terminal using the solar panels," Nair said.Besides a 100-PC fibre catamaran vessel, to be deployed elsewhere, will also be launched at the function to be held at Vaikom Satyagraha Memorial Hall.