Goa Sets Sail Into a Solar Future Launched States First Private Solar-Electric Boat on Mandovi River by Goa Solar Power House & LRAJ Green Solutions Pvt Ltd
Maritime News, Panaji, Goa, India : In a landmark moment for green transport and marine innovation, Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the state’s first privately-developed solar-electric boat M.V. LRAJ GREEN PNJ 1019 at the Floating Jetty in the Mandovi River, Panaji. The vessel was developed through a strategic collaboration between Goa Solar Power House and LRAJ Green Solutions Pvt Ltd, signaling a powerful public-private partnership toward sustainable inland mobility.
“This initiative not only promotes green energy but will elevate Goa’s standing in eco-tourism while reducing the state’s carbon footprint,” said CM Sawant at the launch.
A Clean Tech Leap: From Hybrid Ferries to Fully Solar Boats
This is not Goa’s first step into sustainable marine transit—but it is its most ambitious private one yet. The state made headlines back in 2022 when it launched a government-run solar-electric hybrid ferry between Panaji and Chorao. That project proved that solar technology could function effectively on inland waterways.
Now, Goa Solar Power House and LRAJ Green Solutions Pvt Ltd have taken that mission further, developing a 100% solar-powered vessel, offering zero emissions, minimal noise, and enhanced cruise comfort. While official passenger capacity wasn’t disclosed, similar ferries accommodate around 60 people, positioning the boat perfectly for eco-tourism, short cruises, and water transit.
Who Are the Innovators?
- Goa Solar Power House – A leader in local clean energy innovation, bringing renewable vision to Goa’s marine space
- LRAJ Green Solutions Pvt Ltd – A technology partner with expertise in sustainable mobility solutions
Together, their collaboration represents a new era in private sector-driven green transport infrastructure—and a major leap in India’s inland waterway decarbonization story.
Who Benefits?
- Tourists & eco-cruise operators – Quiet, clean experiences along scenic river stretches
- Hospitality sector – Riverfront hotels and resorts can now offer premium green travel options
- Local entrepreneurs – The success of this privately built boat will encourage more clean-tech investment
- Communities & ecosystems – With lower diesel emissions and noise, rivers and nearby habitats breathe easier
Who Faces Challenges?
- Diesel boat owners – Risk being outcompeted without retrofitting support
- Daily commuters – If pricing is premium, it may remain out of reach for everyday users
- Tech scalability – Solar boats require long-term maintenance, technical know-how, and monsoon resilience
- Riverbank residents – Commercialization of waterways must not displace traditional access and livelihoods
Goa’s Green Marine Timeline
- 2022: Government launches first solar-electric hybrid ferry between Panaji and Chorao
- 2023–2024: Expansion of solar-support infrastructure and trials of hybrid prototypes
- July 17, 2025: First 100% solar-powered private boat launched on Mandovi by Goa Solar Power House & LRAJ Green Solutions
What the Goa Government Must Do
To ensure that clean mobility is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable, the state must:
- Introduce a Solar Water Transport Policy outlining public-private collaboration models
- Subsidize solar retrofitting of traditional diesel boats to prevent displacement
- Create skilling hubs to train locals in solar vessel maintenance and navigation
- Ensure access affordability, especially for working-class ferry users
- Regulate commercialization of riverways to preserve cultural, ecological, and traditional rights
- Mandate eco-audits and publish impact reports on solar mobility benefits and trade-offs
A National Blueprint for Green Transport
Goa’s geography—rich in rivers and sun—makes it ideal for scaling solar mobility. The Goa Solar Power House–LRAJ partnership demonstrates how clean tech can become commercially viable and publicly embraced when backed by the right vision.
“The launch of this boat is a signal that the private sector is not just catching up—but taking the lead in India’s green maritime journey,” said a senior marine economist from Goa University.
If scaled smartly and equitably, Goa’s waterways could become India’s flagship model for low-carbon, scenic, and socially inclusive transit
