Kerala to Launch Solar-Powered Tourist Boats in Kumarakom Backwaters

The Kerala State Water Transport Department (SWTD) is planning to introduce solar-powered tourist boats in Kumarakom, a popular backwater destination in the state. The initiative aims to replace diesel-powered vessels with emission-free alternatives, offering a cleaner and quieter experience for visitors exploring the Vembanad backwaters.

A solar-powered boat has already been stationed at Muhamma, where it completed a successful trial run along the Muhamma–Kannankara–Cheepunkal–Maniyapuram route. The service is expected to be launched from Muhamma once the government approves the proposal and finalises operational details such as fares, routes, and schedules.

Tourists will be able to travel to destinations including Pathiramanal, Kayippuram, and Thanneermukkam. Currently, the department operates four to six diesel-powered tourist trips daily from Muhamma to Pathiramanal, priced at ₹1,000 for a group of 10. The journey takes about 40 minutes each way, with visitors getting nearly an hour to explore the island before returning.

Officials plan to move from the current on-demand system to a fixed schedule to make the service more reliable. The new solar-powered vessel can accommodate 30 passengers, triple the capacity of existing tourist boats, potentially allowing for more economical fares. This is expected to provide a low-cost alternative to private operators, who charge between ₹700 and ₹800 for a 10-minute ride from Kayippuram to Pathiramanal, or up to ₹10,000 for a houseboat trip from Kumarakom to the island.

The department also intends to extend solar boat services to Kumarakom and Thanneermukkom in the coming months as the fleet expands. Additionally, the SWTD is examining the feasibility of replacing conventional diesel passenger ferries in interior parts of the region with solar-powered vessels, as declining patronage makes diesel operations increasingly uneconomical.