Kanaklata Barua Ferry: Revolutionizing Shallow Water Navigation in India
The Kanaklata Barua, named after an Indian independence activist, is a river navigation catamaran designed for safe passage in shallow waters. Measuring 24.8 meters (81.4 feet) in length, with a molded beam of 6.4 meters (21 feet) and a depth of 1.7 meters (5.6 feet), it boasts a maximum draught of just 0.896 meters (2.94 feet). The vessel possesses a gross tonnage of 74, a deadweight of 7.8 tonnes, and a lightship displacement of 39.3 tonnes.
In terms of size and functionality, the Kanaklata Barua matches earlier models, namely the Guh and Nishadraj, both 50-seat hybrid-electric catamarans also constructed for the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). These two vessels were launched in February 2024 for operations in Ayodhya and Varanasi, located in Uttar Pradesh.
The catamaran features a single-deck hull that is longitudinally framed and segmented by five bulkheads, with machinery situated at the rear. Its design includes a vacuum-infused fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) superstructure that is finished with gelcoat, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal.
Passenger comfort is prioritized, as evidenced by the installation of four two-ton split air conditioning units cooling the cabin and wheelhouse. The helm station’s design offers improved forward visibility, with its forward placement enhancing navigation. Additionally, the cabin is acoustically optimized to maintain sound levels at a comfortable 60 dB(A).
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