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Time of India
03-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
4 maritime veterans hope to make solar-electric catamaran feasible
Panaji: Learning from the failure of Goa's govt-run solar ferry project, a home-grown company built the state's first private solar-electric catamaran that could withstand the tides, currents, and day-to-day realities of Goa's inland waterways. By building a vessel tailored to the state's unique riverine conditions, the company, LRAJ Green Solutions Pvt Ltd, hopes to achieve what public sector efforts could not: an operational and sustainable boat. LRAJ Green Solutions Pvt Ltd is the brainchild of Capt Ruben Fernandes, Larson D'Sa, Capt Jerson Da Silva and Alan Fernandes, veterans from the commercial shipping and solar power industry with decades of experience. While a conventionally powered ferry would consume fuel worth approximately Rs 2.5 crore and emit nearly 800 tonnes of carbon dioxide, the catamaran operates at just Rs 25 lakh in energy costs and emits over 98% less carbon dioxide, the company claims. This not only results in fuel savings of over Rs 2.4 crore, but also opens up the potential to earn carbon credits worth Rs 5 - 6 lakh, said the directors of LRAJ Green Solutions. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why Seniors Are Snapping Up This TV Box, We Explain! Techno Mag Learn More Undo by Taboola by Taboola The vessel, named MV LRAJ Green, is the result of four entrepreneurs who pooled operational insights to solve a problem that to date appears to have stumped the captain of ports (CoP). Govt purchased a solar-electric ferry for Rs 4 crore in 2022 despite the CoP warning that the ferry was unviable. Since then, the solar-electric ferry, 'St Pedro', has been lying unused at the floating jetty in the state capital, with river navigation minister Subhash Phal Dessai saying that the department lacks the technical expertise to operate it. 'We were supposed to operate the 'St Pedro' when the minister said that there is no technical partner to operate the vessel,' said Larson D'Sa, one of the four men behind the MV LRAJ Green. 'During the initial trials, we understood that the 'St Pedro' had a mismatch between its design, technology, and Goa's unique riverine environment. These early setbacks became critical learning points for us,' D'Sa told TOI . The four decided to build new solar-electric hybrid vessels tailored for Goa's inland waterways. The team is confident that their vessel will not meet the same fate as the 'St Pedro'. With learnings from the Kochi Water Metro, the four men approached boat designers from Dubai, maritime engine manufacturers in the Netherlands and Germany, and battery suppliers from China. 'What is different is that on the 'St Pedro', with 100% charge, it would last at the most one hour. Our vessel can have eight hours of operations, and this makes it viable and profitable. It also comes down to the design of the boat, the design of the propeller, the shape of the hull, the weight of the material, and the angle of the propeller blades,' said D'Sa. For now, the MV LRAJ Green will be used for crocodile watching, bird watching, and dolphin watching. The use of silent electric propulsion allows the vessel to get very close to wildlife. During trials, the catamaran demonstrated eight hours of continuous operation on a single charge, maintaining a cruising speed of 6 knots. 'How can a vessel be profitable or sustainable if it has to be charged after every trip? Our propulsion and energy systems operated flawlessly, confirming efficiency and reliability. The vessel has dual charging capability, allowing solar charging during the day and seamless grid charging when solar input is low or unavailable,' said D'Sa. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Indian Express
26-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
How Patna Water Metro can transform the city's geographical constraints into its greatest asset
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal recently announced that Patna will soon get water metro services, transforming the city into a hub for inland water transport on the Ganga. Earlier this year, the Inland Waterways Authority of India had initiated a detailed feasibility study for the project, and asked Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) — which runs a successful water metro service — to assess its potential along the Ganga and its tributaries. Patna's roads are perennially crowded. Major arteries like Gandhi Setu, Phulwarisharif, Bypass Road, and Danapur frequently witness gridlocks, affecting everyone from office goers to school children. The problem is compounded by the movement of heavy vehicles, especially sand-laden trucks, which have been permitted entry on certain routes. According to police data, there is a significant mismatch between the number of vehicles on the roads and the city's capacity to handle them. While mining associations reportedly release around 1,000 trucks daily, Patna's infrastructure can efficiently accommodate only about a quarter of that number. This persistent overload results in daily traffic crises, with breakdowns on critical infrastructure like Gandhi Setu causing hours-long jams. Beyond congestion, Patna's linear layout and riverine boundaries limit the scope for road expansion. The city is hemmed in by the Ganga to the north, the Sone near Hajipur to the west and the Punpun to the south. This unique geography, while constraining road growth, offers an under-utilised resource in the form of its rivers. Philanthropist Khurshid Ahmad, founder of Advantage Services, claims that the concept of a water-based metro for Patna was first publicly discussed at his 'Advantage Dialogue: Opinion That Matters – Main Hoon Bihar' event last September, where architect Vishnu Choudhary suggested harnessing Patna's rivers for mass transit 'on the lines of Venice and Kerela' and to turn the city's geographical constraints into its greatest asset. What is the Water Metro model? A water metro is a modern, scheduled passenger ferry system using electric or hybrid vessels, operating much like a metro rail, except on water. The concept was first realised in India with the Kochi Water Metro, launched in 2023, which now connects 10 islands with the mainland via electric boats operating from multiple terminals. The Kochi system, implemented by KMRL with German funding support, has already served over 40 lakh passengers. Patna's proposed water metro draws directly from this model. Instead of connecting islands, Patna's system will primarily serve the city's east-west axis along the Ganga, with potential for cross-river routes to Hajipur and Sonepur. What is the status of the Patna project? The IWAI has tasked KMRL with conducting a comprehensive feasibility study for Patna. In April-May, KMRL teams visited key sites including NIT Ghat, Gai Ghat, Digha Ghat, Kaunhara Ghat (Hajipur), and Sonepur, surveying river conditions during the dry season. A second round of surveys is scheduled during the monsoon (June–September), when the Ganga's water levels and sedimentation patterns change dramatically. The study covers hydrographic analysis (river depth, sedimentation, seasonal variations), as well as demand estimation through commuter surveys, origin-destination mapping, and integration with city plans. The Bihar government has nominated a senior official as nodal officer to coordinate with KMRL to identify optimal routes, estimate ridership, and model costs and revenues for a viable, sustainable system. The timeline for implementation will be clearer once the feasibility assessment is complete, with the project expected to follow a phased rollout prioritising high-demand routes and integration with existing and upcoming transport systems. What are the main challenges? Seasonal Sedimentation and Water Level Fluctuations: The Ganga's depth and flow vary widely between dry and monsoon seasons, affecting both navigation and terminal design. Infrastructural Gaps: Existing ferry services are informal and lack modern amenities. The water metro will require new, covered terminals, safe docking, ticketing systems, maintenance facilities, and charging infrastructure for electric boats. Unorganised Ferry Operations: Current river transport is largely unregulated, with dozens of small ferries lacking standard safety protocols. Regulatory and Administrative Complexity: Multiple agencies and departments will need to coordinate, requiring clear frameworks for safety, operations and revenue sharing. What are the expected benefits? If implemented effectively, the Patna Water Metro could deliver multiple advantages: Decongestion: By offering a direct, traffic-free alternative along the river, the water metro could ease pressure on Patna's busiest roads, especially for commuters living along the riverbanks from Koilwar to Bakhtiyarpur. Environmental Gains: Electric and hybrid ferries emit far less pollution than cars or trucks. Inland water transport can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to six times per tonne-km compared to road transport, helping Patna address its other major problem of air quality. Improved Connectivity: Plans include 16 new community jetties and two modern terminals, with hybrid catamaran vessels and a local vessel repair facility, enhancing both passenger and cargo movement. Cost-Effective Travel: Water transit can move large numbers of passengers or cargo at lower per-person costs, making it an affordable alternative for daily commuters. Economic Growth: The project is expected to generate jobs in construction, boat-building, operations, and tourism. Riverfront development around jetties could spur new markets, restaurants, and public spaces, while scenic ferry rides may boost tourism. How will it fit with other transport projects? The water metro is designed to complement Patna's upcoming rail metro, whose first phase is set to open on August 15. The city's new Blue Line will connect Patna Junction with the Inter-State Bus Terminal, and water metro terminals are expected to be planned near major transport hubs, residential areas, and markets to ensure seamless last-mile connectivity. How does this align with national plans? Patna's water metro is part of a broader national push to develop urban water transport. The city sits on National Waterway-1 (NW-1), a 1,390-km stretch of the Ganga from Varanasi to Haldia. The Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), a Rs 5,061 crore initiative led by the Ministry of Ports and Shipping, with completion expected by December, has built terminals and dredged channels along NW-1, providing vital infrastructure for further exploration to Patna's Water Metro. What are the potential long-term impacts? A successful water metro could catalyse broader urban renewal along Patna's riverfront, as well as help develop Hajipur as its sister city, by sparking redevelopment, tourism infrastructure, and commercial growth. Socially, it promises affordable, accessible transport for all, including the elderly and disabled, while connecting riverside communities and creating new employment opportunities.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Ghost of first European fort built in Asia rises from Fort Kochi shore
Kochi: Monsoon waves have peeled back time at Fort Kochi's South Beach, revealing what experts believe are lost remnants of Fort Emmanuel — the first European fort built in Asia. The laterite-rock-and-surkhi structure, buried under layers of sand and stone, emerged after heavy sea erosion stripped away the coastline. Surkhi is a type of brick dust or red oxide powder, mixed with lime to create a binding agent for plastering or flooring. Marine geologists from Cochin University said the exposed ruins likely belong to Fort Emmanuel, constructed by the Portuguese in 1503. "Parts of the fort are under these rock blocks and they get exposed annually," said Ratheesh Kumar, assistant professor of marine geology and geophysics at Cochin University. "We're working to determine whether this is the original Portuguese structure or the one rebuilt by the Dutch. " The current neighbourhood of Fort Kochi — Europe's first colonial settlement in Asia — gets its first name from Fort Emmanuel. It changed hands from Portuguese to Dutch to British between 1503 and 1947. The ruins offer rare physical proof of that layered colonial history. The discovery comes a couple of years after stone artefacts unearthed during Kochi Water Metro work on the northern coast of Fort Kochi were identified as remains of a Portuguese church, likely demolished during Dutch occupation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo "The rocks from that site match crustal blocks along the Munnar-Theni-Rajapalayam stretch, once a known Portuguese ghat trade corridor," said Kumar. Both discoveries — north and south of Fort Kochi — have triggered a wave of global academic interest. Researchers from Europe and beyond are contacting the Cochin University team for detailed analysis. "This shows Fort Kochi's potential to be recognised as a colonial renaissance heritage site," Kumar said. That heritage comes at a cost. Much of Fort Kochi's beach is vanishing to sea erosion — though the sea gives back fragments of history long thought lost.
The Hindu
21-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Extension of Kochi Water Metro service proposed in developing Kadambrayar as a tourism destination
Extending the Kochi Water Metro service using feeder boats from Kakkanad to Kadambrayar in Ernakulam for sustainable, efficient, and eco-friendly transit for tourists and Infopark professionals figured among the recommendations included in a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed enhancement of Kadambrayar tourism destination centre. A well-designed, eco-friendly boat jetty has been proposed to facilitate the service. A floating or fixed reinforced cement concrete jetty based on water conditions, covered passenger waiting area with seating, safety railings, signage, and lighting, information display about the water metro schedules, easy pedestrian access from the riverfront promenade and integrated CCTV and Wi-Fi zones for safety and digital access are some of the features proposed for the jetty. 'We have already discussed the proposal with the Kochi Metro Rail Limited, and the outcome has been, by and large, positive. A more detailed discussion will have to be held,' said P.V. Sreenijin, Kunnathunadu MLA. Smaller boats He said that boats smaller than those used for the water metro services will have to be designed for the proposed service, considering the lack of vertical clearance under the Brahmapuram Bridge. The project has already received administrative sanction from the government. Once the technical sanction is also granted, the tourism department will tender it. The ₹3.50 crore project was approved during the chief minister's Nava Kerala Sadas. The DPR, however, proposes a three-phased development with an estimated investment of ₹5.50 crores. The first phase proposes a walkway widening, lighting, parking, and a café at an estimated ₹2 crores to be completed in six months. The second phase includes a proposed amphitheatre, gym, a boat jetty and parking facilities at an investment of another ₹2 crores in six months. Beautification and other amenities for ₹1.50 crores have been proposed in the final phase. The DPR observes that the Kadambrayar riverfront, with its natural beauty and ideal urban-rural interface, presents an exceptional opportunity for Kerala to showcase a sustainable tourism success story. It concludes that through targeted interventions, smart infrastructure, and community involvement, Kadambrayar can be developed as a model riverfront destination attracting urban professionals, families, and global tourists alike.
The Hindu
17-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
KMRL submits feasibility study report for Water Metro project in Mumbai
Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is in the process of expanding its footprint nationwide, with its consultancy division submitting a comprehensive feasibility study report to implement a Water Metro ferry system in Mumbai to Nitish Rane, the Ports and Fisheries Minister of Maharashtra. Modelled on the lines of the Kochi Water Metro project, the report would cover the entire Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The proposed project envisions connecting various waterbodies including Vaitarna, Vasai, Manori, Thane, Panvel, and Karanja creeks, effectively covering the entire MMR. It outlines a 250-kilometre waterway network with 29 terminals and 10 routes, says a KMRL release. The feasibility study was presented at a high-level meeting chaired by Mr. Rane in Mumbai. The KMRL team was led by Chief General Manager Shaji P. Janardhanan, Senior Deputy General Manager Nishanth N. and Manager Arjun Krishna K.
