India, Sept. 30 -- Nearly a decade after 'Aditya', India's first solar-powered passenger ferry, entered service, Kerala is trying to turn solar and electric propulsion from an experiment into an important part of its public water transport system.

The State Water Transport Department is expanding solar-powered vessels, while newer boats are being built for passenger services and larger electric vessels are being planned to carry cars and trucks.

At a time when electric mobility is usually discussed through scooters, cars and buses, Kerala's backwaters offer another possibility. Some of the most suitable vehicles for electrification may not be on roads at all.

The story began on January 12, 2017, when Aditya was inaugurated between Vaik...