The country’s first-ever indigenous hydrogen-powered water taxi service has commenced its services in Varanasi. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal has inaugurated the service on December 10, 2025, at Namo Ghat. The taxi will initially run between Ravidas Ghat to Namo Ghat and soon will extend up to Asi Ghat and Markandeya Dham.
What is Water taxi?
A water taxi is a boat designed to carry passengers, both in public and private services, on rivers, lakes, harbors, and coastal areas. It acts just like a taxi on land, but on the water. They can operate on demand, taking passengers directly to specific locations, or on a fixed schedule with several stops, akin to a water bus. Generally smaller than ferries, water taxis can carry anywhere from 10 to 65 passengers, depending on the vessel size. Unlike ferries, they have the agility to take one through hidden beaches, private resorts, and places one could not have accessed with bigger boats. They are utilized by commuters and tourists alike because they do not want to jam the roads, they provide a scenic travel experience, and connect hard-to-reach spots together. They operate across all continents and have routes in cities including Venice, New York, Mumbai, Sydney, and Amsterdam, among others. Modern innovations include electric- and hydrogen-powered water taxis that reduce emissions and support eco-friendly urban transport.
Features of the Hydrogen Water Taxi
The water taxi was built at Cochin Shipyard with modern amenities for passenger comfort and safety. It offers vegetarian refreshment, CCTV surveillance, and bio-toilets. Every vessel carries 50 passengers and undertakes about 7-8 round trips per day. Propelled by a hybrid electric–hydrogen engine, the taxi produces zero emission of air and noise, making the vessel an eco-friendly alternative for water transport.
As the report highlighted, the water taxi is powered by five hydrogen cylinders and can attain speeds up to 12,038 kilometres an hour. It also comprises three-kilowatt solar panels. Also, it leads India’s philosophy for the Make in India initiative and promotes green transportation across sectors.
Water taxi Ticket Price and Booking Information
The water taxi presently travels at a fare of around Rs 500 per individual for one way. Tickets can be booked online through trustworthy boat-booking platforms and directly via local operators like the Jalsa Cruise Line by phone or WhatsApp. Travelers need to make payments online and take the confirmation for collection at the ghat. The Inland Waterways Authority of India is expected to open an exclusive website-based booking for the service very soon.
Water taxi Service Timings & Boarding Points
The water taxi runs various journeys each day from morning to evening, starting every 1.5 to 2 hours. Presently, the taxis are taken from Namo Ghat and Ravidas Ghat. In future plans, the stops are extended to Asi Ghat and Markandeya Dham.
Water taxi Passenger Capacity and Concessions
Each of these vessels can ferry approximately 50 commuters. Presently, there is no concession or discount granted to the student category, senior citizen, and/ or for persons with disability. Commuters are informed to reach the Namo Ghat ticket counter for any enquiries concerning grant of concession in fare.
A step towards sustainable transportation Launching hydrogen-run water taxi in Varanasi is yet another significant step for India in its push for sustainable and eco-friendly urban transport. Hydrogen combined with solar power will help the service reduce carbon emissions, hence providing an assurance of contemporary and safe travel for both locals and tourists.
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