Kolkata has just taken a bold step toward greener public transport with the official launch of Dheu, its first fully electric ferry. Floating gracefully on the Hooghly River, Dheu is not just a ride but an experience that blends sustainability with heritage. Within months of its soft launch, the ferry has gained a loyal fan base, especially among those looking for scenic city escapes and eco-conscious experiences.
Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers and developed in partnership with IIT Kharagpur, Dheu is a catamaran-style vessel equipped with modern engineering and designed through advanced fluid dynamics. It has emerged as a milestone for the city’s water transport, pushing aside the older diesel-powered ferries that have long operated across the Ganga and Bhagirathi stretches.
The vessel comes at a cost of about thirteen crore rupees and is capable of offering a silent, emission-free ride along some of Kolkata’s most iconic river landmarks. For a fare of three hundred rupees for the air-conditioned experience or two hundred rupees for the non-air-conditioned deck, passengers can enjoy a two-hour cruise. This includes views of Howrah Bridge, Bally Bridge, Belur Math, and Dakshineswar Temple.
For a city deeply tied to its riverside culture, Dheu is not just about transportation. It is about rediscovering the romance of the river, now in a format that looks toward a cleaner future. Kolkata has long had a connection with the Hooghly River, not only as a mode of transport but as a symbol of the city’s cultural and emotional identity. Dheu takes that nostalgia and upgrades it with a futuristic mindset.
The timing could not be more relevant. With increasing focus on climate change and air pollution, urban transport across India is being reimagined. In this context, Dheu is not just a local initiative but a working prototype for what cities across the country might explore in the years to come. From reducing carbon emissions to offering more accessible public experiences, the ferry symbolizes a quiet revolution taking place on Indian waters.
Families, couples, and even solo travellers have already begun sharing their Dheu journeys on social media, giving it a new status as one of the most Instagram-worthy experiences in Kolkata. With its unique blend of sustainability and heritage, the ferry is quickly becoming one of the city’s weekend favourites.
Kolkata may be known for its colonial-era trams and hand-pulled rickshaws, but with Dheu, it is also showing that tradition and technology can coexist beautifully. By preserving the river’s charm while modernizing the means to enjoy it, the city has made a powerful statement in favour of responsible tourism and innovation-led development.
For those visiting the city, adding a Dheu ride to your itinerary is now almost as essential as a tram ride or a stop at College Street. It offers a tranquil yet forward-looking view of Kolkata, seen from the waters that have shaped its soul.
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