Indian PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday virtually inaugurated  India’s first indigenously developed and built hydrogen fuel cell ferry in Kerala's Kochi city.

The vessel was built at the Cochin Shipyard.

The pilot vessel is a 24-metre catamaran which can carry 50 passengers with fully air-conditioned passenger space. It will make urban mobility smooth and easy, according to a release issued by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).The pilot vessel is a 24-metre catamaran which can carry 50 passengers with fully air-conditioned passenger space. It will make urban mobility smooth and easy, according to a release issued by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) as quoted by The Hindu.

Cochin Shipyard Limited posted on X: "Today marks a historic moment as the first INDIGENOUSLY BUILT HYDROGEN FUEL CELL VESSEL built by CSL under @shipmin_india flagged off by Hon'ble Prime Minister. #HydrogenVessel #greenEnergy."

Modi launched the vessel during an event held in Tamil Nadu.

Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth more than Rs 17,300 crores in Thoothukudi region of Tamil Nadu.

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Outer Harbor Container Terminal at V.O.Chidambaranar Port. The Prime Minister also launched India's first indigenous green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel under the Harit Nauka initiative.

He dedicated tourist facilities in 75 lighthouses across 10 States/UTs.

He also dedicated to the nation, rail projects for doubling of Vanchi Maniyachchi - Nagercoil rail line including the Vanchi Maniyachchi - Tirunelveli section and Melappalayam - Aralvaymoli section. The Prime Minister dedicated four road projects in Tamil Nadu, developed at a total cost of about Rs 4,586 Crore.

Talking about India's first hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel under the Harit Nauka initiative, PM Modi called it a gift of the people of Tamil Nadu for Kashi.

He said that he witnessed the enthusiasm and affection of the people of Tamil Nadu in Kashi Tamil Sangamam.

The Prime Minister inaugurated various other projects aimed at making the V.O.Chidambaranar Port the first Green Hydrogen Hub Port of the country.

These projects include a desalination plant, hydrogen production, and bunkering facility.

“Tamil Nadu will go a long way with regard to the alternatives that the world is exploring today”, he said.