Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers signs Rs 226.2cr hybrid electric ferry contract with West Bengal government

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), a premier shipbuilding company under India’s Ministry of Defence, has signed a significant contract with the Transport Department of the Government of West Bengal. This deal, valued at ₹226.18 crore (excluding GST), encompasses the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of 13 hybrid electric ferries as part of the WBIWTLSD Project.

The agreement, formalised on November 19, 2024, highlights GRSE’s commitment to sustainable innovation. The vessels will operate on the River Hooghly, a vital artery in the Kolkata Metropolitan Area, enhancing green transportation options while aligning with India’s push towards environmental sustainability.

Innovative green transport solutions

GRSE will build these vessels with cutting-edge hybrid propulsion systems that integrate diesel generators with battery power. This dual-mode functionality offers operators the flexibility to switch between propulsion types, optimising efficiency and reducing pollution. The ferries are designed with a catamaran hull and constructed from aluminium and fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) for durability and lightweight performance.

The project builds on GRSE’s prior success with “Dheu,” a prototype zero-emission ferry launched earlier this year. The hybrid fleet is expected to operate in all-weather conditions on National Waterway-1, stretching from Triveni to Diamond Harbour.

Design specifications and passenger capacity

The fleet will include six twin-deck ferries with capacities of 200 passengers each. These vessels will span approximately 30 metres in length, with air-conditioned main decks to enhance commuter comfort. The remaining seven ferries will feature single decks and accommodate up to 100 passengers each. The entire fleet is designed for efficiency and speed, with the larger vessels capable of achieving up to 12 knots and the smaller ones reaching 9 knots.

The construction cost for the twin-deck vessels is estimated at ₹126.41 crore, while the single-deck ferries will cost ₹99.77 crore, excluding taxes.

Strategic and economic significance

This partnership signals a step forward for both GRSE and the West Bengal government in advancing green technology in public transport. GRSE, a Miniratna Category-I company, has a rich history of building over 790 vessels, including 110 warships. The company’s proven capabilities in engineering and design, combined with its commitment to modernisation, underscore its role as a leader in Indian shipbuilding.

GRSE officials emphasised that this initiative aligns with their goal of contributing to India’s maritime infrastructure while fostering sustainability. The company’s investment in advanced technologies, including hybrid propulsion, reflects its forward-thinking approach to shipbuilding.

The West Bengal Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (WBTIDCL), responsible for operating these ferries, will ensure the project delivers an eco-friendly transit solution for the state’s growing commuter base.

A greener future

This contract marks an important milestone in India’s journey toward sustainable transportation. By reducing the carbon footprint of public ferries, GRSE and the West Bengal government are setting a benchmark for green initiatives in the maritime sector.