The state government has announced plans to introduce a hybrid ferry service that would run between Babughat in Kolkata and Mayapur, a major Hindu pilgrimage centre on the Hooghly River. The vehicle, powered by a combination of electric and conventional fuel sources, is expected to offer a faster and more environmentally friendly alternative to the current river transport options.
Officials say the service will cater primarily to devotees travelling to the Shyam Sundar Temple, thereby encouraging religious tourism in the region. The project is also positioned as a step toward strengthening the state’s inland waterway network, which has long been underutilised.
Further details on the schedule, fleet size and operating costs are yet to be released. The proposal has been welcomed by local tourism bodies, though some stakeholders are awaiting a formal feasibility study before committing to the venture.
