Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works (KMEW), part of a consortium led by Knowledge Shipyard, has won a ₹66.11 crore contract from the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to design and produce 10 hybrid electric passenger ferries. This initiative supports India’s commitment to greener inland water transport and modernizes passenger mobility.
Each ferry will accommodate 20 passengers, promoting cleaner operations in inland waterways. The contract allocates ₹65.52 crore for construction and ₹0.59 crore for maintenance, ensuring long-term support for the vessels.
The project will take 10 months for construction, followed by a 60-month maintenance and support period. This arrangement fosters a lasting relationship between the consortium and IWAI, thereby enhancing its influence in India’s inland shipping and marine engineering sectors.
The contract underscores the government’s increasing focus on hybrid and electric vessels for passenger transport, aligning with the growing importance of inland waterways in India’s logistics strategy. Projects like this are expected to advance sustainable shipbuilding efforts, enhance regional connectivity, and contribute to lower-emission marine transport.
Share it now
