In a groundbreaking development poised to revolutionize intercity travel in India, Waterfly Technologies, a start-up incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M), has announced plans to introduce electric seagliders capable of transporting passengers from Kolkata to Chennai in just three hours at an astonishingly affordable fare of ₹600. This ambitious initiative has garnered significant attention, including commendation from prominent industrialist Anand Mahindra.
The Vision: Affordable and Rapid Transit
Waterfly Technologies aims to bridge the vast 1,600-kilometer distance between Kolkata and Chennai using Wing-in-Ground (WIG) crafts—innovative vessels that operate by skimming close to the water’s surface, leveraging a phenomenon known as the ground effect to achieve high fuel efficiency. Co-founder and CEO Harish Rajesh highlighted the cost-effectiveness of this mode of transport, stating that the journey would be “far cheaper than an AC three-tier train ticket, which costs over ₹1,500.”
Technological Innovation: The Seaglider Design
The seagliders are designed to take off from water and maintain a flight altitude of approximately four meters, utilizing the ground effect to minimize drag and enhance lift. This design not only improves aerodynamic efficiency but also allows for speeds comparable to conventional aircraft. The crafts boast a flatter structure, which further contributes to their efficiency. While the optimal cruising altitude is four meters, these vehicles are capable of ascending up to 150 meters when necessary.
Development Roadmap: Prototypes and Commercial Launch
At the Aero India 2025 event in Bengaluru, Waterfly Technologies showcased their seaglider design and outlined a phased development plan:
- April 2025: Completion of a 100 kg prototype.
- Late 2025: Development of a one-tonne prototype.
- 2026: Introduction of a full-scale version with a 20-seat capacity and a four-tonne payload, marking the commencement of commercial operations on the Kolkata-Chennai route.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
The seagliders are envisioned as a sustainable alternative to traditional air and ferry travel, offering zero-carbon emissions. Initially, they will have a range of 500 kilometers on battery power, with plans to develop a hydrogen-electric variant capable of traveling up to 2,000 kilometers. In terms of safety, these crafts offer advantages over conventional aircraft, as they can land on water in emergencies, providing more options for safe landings. newindianexpress.com
Industry Recognition: Anand Mahindra’s Endorsement
The innovative approach of Waterfly Technologies has caught the eye of business magnate Anand Mahindra, who lauded the start-up’s efforts on social media. He remarked, “IIT Madras promises to rival Silicon Valley in terms of nurturing startups… What I like about this one is not just the promise of exploitation of our vast waterways, but the fact that the design of the craft is stunning!” ndtv.com
Future Prospects: Beyond Kolkata-Chennai
Waterfly Technologies has set its sights on expanding operations beyond the domestic Kolkata-Chennai route. The company envisions international routes such as Chennai-Singapore and aims for intercontinental travel by 2029, including ambitious plans for a Dubai-Los Angeles route. These developments could position India at the forefront of sustainable and efficient intercontinental travel.
Funding and Collaborations: Building Strategic Partnerships
The start-up has received initial grants from IIT Madras and is actively seeking additional funding, particularly from defense sectors, to support the development of full-scale prototypes. Waterfly Technologies is also in discussions with Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) for potential military applications, especially for the Coast Guard, indicating a versatile utility for their seagliders in both civilian and defense sectors. newindianexpress.com
Conclusion: A Paradigm Shift in Indian Transportation
The initiative by Waterfly Technologies represents a significant leap toward transforming India’s transportation landscape. By offering a faster, more affordable, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional travel methods, the successful implementation of these seagliders could set a new standard for intercity and international transit, aligning with global sustainability goals and enhancing connectivity.
