Kerala’s transition towards sustainable public transport is gaining attention, with Down To Earth highlighting the state’s progress in solar-electric ferries and the development of larger electric vessels for passenger and vehicle transport.

In an article published on 30 September 2026, journalist K A Shaji examines how Kerala is expanding electric mobility beyond roads and into its extensive network of backwaters and inland waterways.

The article revisits the launch of Aditya, India’s first solar-electric passenger ferry, which entered service on the Vaikom–Thavanakkadavu route in 2017. Developed by Navalt, Aditya demonstrated the potential of solar-electric propulsion in regular public transport operations.

Its experience has helped bring greater attention to the role of electric vessels in reducing fuel consumption, operational emissions and noise in water transport.

Kerala is now moving towards a broader adoption of solar-electric ferries, with new passenger vessels planned for services across its waterways.

Taking electric propulsion beyond passenger ferries

The article also highlights Navalt’s work on two 100-tonne electric roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels for Kerala’s State Water Transport Department. Designed to carry cars and heavy vehicles, these vessels represent a further step towards applying electric propulsion to larger-scale water transport.

By enabling vehicles and goods to travel by water, electric Ro-Ro vessels could offer an additional transport option for a state facing increasing road congestion.

Advancing sustainable water mobility

Navalt’s work reflects the growing potential of locally developed marine technology to support cleaner public transport. The wider adoption of solar-electric vessels could help reduce dependence on fossil fuels while improving the passenger experience through quieter, cleaner journeys.

As Kerala continues to develop its electric water transport network, these projects demonstrate how electrification can extend beyond conventional road vehicles to support more sustainable mobility across the state’s waterways.

Read the full article on Down To Earth:

India on e-wheels: Kerala’s electric future may not always travel on four wheels. Some of it is already moving quietly across the water.

Read the original article on Down To Earth