ARAI along with ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) is proud to develop an Electric & Hybrid Electric Fishing Boat, Vikalpika for Department of Fisheries (DOF), Government of Maharashtra.
ARAI & ICAR-CIFT Develop Electric & Hybrid Electric Fishing Boat “Vikalpika”
ARAI along with ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) is proud to develop an Electric & Hybrid Electric Fishing Boat, Vikalpika, for Department of Fisheries (DOF), Government of Maharashtra.
The project is the outcome of a strategic collaboration between ICAR-CIFT and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) with financial support from the Department of Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra, and the Mangrove Foundation, Mumbai.
The initiative is led by Shri. Shravan Kumar Sharma, Scientist at ICAR-CIFT Mumbai, as the Principal Investigator under the Alternate Fuel and Energy Systems (AFES) Project. The event saw esteemed presence of Dr. SUSHIL RAMDASI, Deputy Director, ARAI, Dr. George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT, Dr. N. P. Sahu, Director (In-Charge), ICAR-CIFT Mumbai, Dr. Asha K.K & Scientist-in-Charge, ICAR-CIFT Mumbai, Dr. Rehana Raj, ICAR-CIFT Mumbai along with team members from all partner organizations.
Fisheries being crucial to the economy, food security, and employment in Maharashtra, it becomes imperative to promote responsible and sustainable harvest and post-harvest technologies in the sector. Hence, Vikalpika — India’s first series hybrid electric fishing vessel designed to reduce carbon emissions, improve fuel efficiency and promote climate resilient fisheries.