INK Fellow Sandith Thandasherry’s Vision Electrifies Kerala’s Waterways: Navalt’s “Indra” Sets Sail for a Sustainable Future!

Kerala’s bustling waterways just got a silent upgrade! Forget the chug of diesel engines – the future of water transport has arrived with Indra, India’s largest solar-electric ferry, built by eco-marine tech pioneer Navalt.

Imagine a luxurious double-decker catamaran gliding effortlessly… that’s Indra! This 26-meter marvel boasts plush air-conditioning below deck and breezy upper deck views. Commissioned by the Kerala State Water Transport Department, it offers an unforgettable passenger experience while promoting eco-friendly transportation.

But the real magic lies beneath the surface. Powerful yet silent electric motors propel Indra, fueled by a combination of independent battery packs and 25 kW solar panels.

The impact?

IN JUST THREE MONTHS, INDRA HAS SAVED OVER 5,290 LITERS OF DIESEL AND A WHOPPING 55 TONNES OF CO2 (EQUIVALENT TO PLANTING 2,520 TREES!)

“Data, design, and an unwavering commitment to electrification are the motors that drive our success,” notes Sandith Thandasherry, Navalt founder and INK Fellow. “The INK Fellowship in 2010 was a game-changer for me. It gave me the platform to promote clean water transport and set Navalt on this electrifying journey!”

Beyond its sleek design and passenger comfort, Indra champions a healthy marine environment:

• Clean & Quiet: Indra’s electric system eliminates water pollution and reduces noise, protecting marine life, particularly those that rely on echolocation.
• Reduced Emissions: Indra’s rapid deployment will mitigate impact on oceans, such as acidification and temperature changes that threaten marine ecosystems.
• Sustainable Power: Solar panels promote renewable energy, minimizing Indra’s environmental footprint.
• Sensitive Areas Friendly: Electric operation allows Indra to navigate eco-sensitive zones for sustainable tourism.

Navalt’s winning formula has delivered numerous firsts and garnered impressive accolades, including the Gustave Trouvé Awards 2020 for “Aditya,” named the world’s best solar-electric ferry, the SET Awards Berlin 2023 for the world’s best startup under the Mobility and Transportation category, and the GCIP Renewable Energy Winner in 2017.

Indra is more than a ferry; it’s a beacon for a cleaner, quieter marine future. And Navalt has a complete range of solar boats in its portfolio, one of which, from the Destiny series, is now headed to Madhya Pradesh! That’ll make it the 25th solar boat to be commissioned!

Congratulations to Sandith Thandasherry and the Navalt team for this electrifying achievement!