Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, a defence public sector undertaking, announced a significant contract with the West Bengal government’s transport department for the construction of 13 hybrid ferries. The contract, valued at Rs 226 crore, has positively impacted GRSE’s stock performance.
The West Bengal Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (WBTIDCL) will operate these ferries on the Hooghly River. Six of the ferries will feature double decks with a capacity of 200 passengers each, costing Rs 126 crore, while the remaining seven single-deck ferries with a 100-passenger capacity will cost Rs 100 crore.
According to GRSE officials, the ferries will incorporate cutting-edge technology, including fibre-reinforced polymer and aluminium construction, and hybrid electric propulsion systems powered by both diesel generators and batteries. This aligns with the government’s push for eco-friendly and emission-free transportation solutions.
Previously, GRSE had developed and successfully launched a prototype emission-free ferry in January, which received technical acceptance in March. The hybrid ferries will operate in the Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA), transporting passengers across the Hooghly River under all-weather conditions from Triveni in the north to Diamond Harbour in the south.
This strategic collaboration underscores GRSE’s commitment to advancing sustainable transportation solutions and has bolstered the company’s reputation as a leading shipbuilder in the defence and commercial sectors.
