Assam’s revolutionary Bamboo Boats | Fusion - WeRIndia

In a remarkable shift towards eco-friendly water transport, Assam introduces innovative Bamboo Boats that blend tradition with sustainability.

Crafted from locally sourced bamboo, these boats offer an environmentally responsible alternative to traditional wooden vessels. Unlike wooden boats, which require cutting down trees, Bamboo Boats are biodegradable and have a minimal carbon footprint.

Ravi Jyoti Deka, the mind behind this innovation, leads Akvotransiro Tech Pvt Ltd, India’s only inland water transport startup focused on green mobility.

The company has developed a unique Bamboo Bio-composite Sandwich technology, using 85% bamboo, 10% polymers, and 5% fiberglass.

This method produces lightweight, durable, and leak-proof boats. These modern vessels weigh half as much as traditional ones and boast an impressive compressive strength of 130 MPa.

Although commercial production is yet to begin, the technology has drawn global attention, with inquiries from countries like Japan, Switzerland, and Ghana.

Akvotransiro Tech, in partnership with IIT Guwahati, is also working on a multipurpose catamaran using the same technology.

The startup’s mission extends beyond creating boats. They aim to improve India’s Inland Water Transport sector, which relies heavily on outdated ferries and primitive wooden boats.

Their innovations include electric propulsion systems for shallow rivers, mud-resistant motors, and affordable steering mechanisms.

One notable creation is the Electric Swamp Drive motor, enabling boats to navigate silt-filled water bodies.

While Bamboo Boats have proven efficient and cost-effective, challenges persist.

Limited raw material suppliers, bureaucratic hurdles, and lack of expertise in government agencies slow adoption.

To address these issues, the company plans to involve local boat builders through training and technology transfer.

Assam, India’s leading bamboo producer, showcases the immense potential of this versatile material.

Bamboo Boats not only promise safer and more sustainable water transport but also support tourism, rescue operations, and local livelihoods.

With these innovations, Assam is setting a global benchmark in eco-friendly transportation.

Despite challenges, the future of Bamboo Boats is bright. They represent a crucial step toward balancing technological advancement with environmental conservation.

Image Credit: Akvotransiro Website Screenshot

Image Reference: https://www.akvotransiro.co.in/