IIT Kanpur is constructing advanced waterfront facilities at Kada Ghat, Kaushambi.

Acquafront Infrastructure Private Limited (AIPL), a startup that was nurtured at the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) of IIT Kanpur, has implemented a new concept termed “i-Ghat” in Kada Ghat of Kaushambi. This concept is set to revolutionize the traditional ghats in India, as per IIT Kanpur’s statement.

The institute noted that the i-Ghat system involves combining reinforced-cement concrete floats that are fitted with solar cells and electric-powered boats, utilizing Steel Integrated Floating Jelly (SIFJ) technology to avoid the effects of plastic floats and to reduce the sound and air pollution generated by diesel boats.

Keshav Prasad Maurya, the deputy chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, recently held the inauguration of the i-Ghat facility at Kada Ghat, Kaushambi which was commissioned in September 2022.

The i-Ghat project features a cutting-edge floating charging station with a battery exchange for electric-boats powered by solar energy from the RCC-based floating solar grid. It is completely independent, produces no air or sound pollution, and is in line with NTT DATA’s goal of encouraging technological innovations for a sustainable future.

Abhay Karandikar, Director of IIT Kanpur, gave his gratitude to NTT DATA for their unwavering support to the institute and its startups. He praised AIPL for their implementation of the SIFJ technology for this project, which he sees as a tremendous contribution to secure livelihoods through a sustainable strategy.