DS Group Pilots Electric Boat Conversion in Varanasi to Promote Sustainable River Transport

Varanasi, June 06, 2026: The Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group), in partnership with IX Energy, has successfully converted a 25-seater diesel-powered boat into an electric boat in Varanasi. The vessel was inaugurated on World Environment Day as part of a pilot initiative aimed at encouraging the transition from diesel to electric boats along the Ganga riverfront.

The initiative seeks to foster collaboration among government authorities, industry stakeholders and the local boat operator community to support large-scale adoption of electric boats in the city. The project is intended to reduce air, water and noise pollution while improving the experience of pilgrims and tourists visiting Varanasi.

Mr. Prabhakant Jain, General Manager, Sustainability & CSR, DS Group, said, “At DS Group, sustainability drives our commitment to community development and environmental stewardship. Through this pilot initiative, we have demonstrated that clean and efficient river transport can be both environmentally responsible and economically viable for the local boat operator community. The successful conversion of a diesel-powered boat into an electric boat marks an important step towards reducing air, water and noise pollution along the Ganga riverfront. We hope this initiative will encourage wider collaboration amongst all relevant stakeholders to accelerate the transition towards sustainable mobility solutions in Varanasi, creating long-term benefits for the environment, pilgrims, tourists and the Mallah community.”

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The retrofitted electric boat is equipped with a 35 kWh battery, electric motor, gearbox and associated systems. According to the company, the vessel can travel approximately 80–85 kilometres on a full charge, including operations against river currents, or complete three to four rounds between Assi Ghat and Namo Ghat.

Apart from environmental benefits, the initiative is expected to reduce fuel and operating costs for members of the Mallah community who depend on boat services for their livelihood. To facilitate adoption, charging infrastructure has been installed at key ghats, along with the provision of extended charging cables for convenient battery charging.

The project builds on DS Group’s ongoing efforts to support environmental conservation and community development in Varanasi. Through the Dharampal Satyapal Foundation, the group maintains six ghats in the city—Chait Singh Ghat, Shivala Ghat, Mahanirvani Ghat, Guleria Ghat, Niranjani Ghat and Dandi Ghat—where it undertakes cleaning and maintenance activities, provides drinking water facilities and supports cultural and community initiatives.

The pilot project is expected to serve as a model for sustainable river transport and contribute to cleaner mobility solutions along the Ganga.