GRSE Signs Contract with West Bengal Government for 13 Hybrid Electric Ferries

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) has signed a contract with the Transport Department, Government of West Bengal, for the delivery of 13 hybrid ferries. The ferries will be operated on the River Hooghly by the West Bengal Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (WBTIDCL). The contract was signed for an approximate value of ₹226.18 crore (excl. GST). The hybrid electric propulsion systems will be powered by batteries as well as diesel generators. The hybrid system will offer greater flexibility to the operator to switch from one mode to the other as per requirement, allowing for greater safety. The use of batteries will reduce pollution substantially. The contract was signed in the presence of Shri Snehasis Chakraborty, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Transport Department, Government of West Bengal, and other senior officials.