"Chennai to Kolkata in 3 Hours for Just ₹600? "Waterfly’s E-Flying Boat Is Set to Transform Travel in India

Chennai to Kolkata in 3 Hours for Just ₹600? Waterfly’s E-Flying Boat Is Set to Transform Travel in India

Imagine this: you’re gliding just four meters above the shimmering waves of the Bay of Bengal, covering the 1,600-kilometer journey from Chennai to Kolkata in three hours. Your ticket? A jaw-dropping ₹600—cheaper than an AC train ride. This isn’t a scene from a sci-fi movie; it’s the groundbreaking reality being crafted by Waterfly Technologies, an innovative startup incubated at IIT Madras. Their revolutionary E-Flying Boat, a Wing-in-Ground (WIG) effect craft, is poised to redefine coastal travel in India with its promise of ultra-fast, affordable, and zero-carbon transportation. Buckle up as we dive deep into this game-changing project that’s sending ripples through the aviation, maritime, and sustainability sectors.

What Exactly Is an E-Flying Boat?

A Wing-in-Ground (WIG) craft is a unique hybrid vehicle that operates in a sweet spot just above the surface of water or flat terrain, leveraging the aerodynamic “ground effect” to achieve exceptional lift and efficiency. Think of it as a vehicle that combines the best of three worlds:

• The speed of an airplane, zooming at up to 500 kmph.
• The maneuverability of a boat, capable of landing on water.
• The sustainability of an electric vehicle, powered by advanced batteries with plans for hydrogen propulsion.

Unlike traditional aircraft, WIG crafts don’t require sprawling airports or runways. Unlike ferries or ships, they slice through distances at aircraft-like speeds with minimal drag, thanks to their low-altitude flight. Waterfly’s E-Flying Boat takes this concept to the next level by being fully electric, making it a beacon of green innovation in a world hungry for sustainable transport solutions.

The Vision: Chennai to Kolkata in 3 Hours for ₹600

• Waterfly Technologies, led by CEO Harish Rajesh, has set its sights on transforming how Indians travel along the country’s vast coastline. Their E-Flying Boat promises to:
• Cover the 1,600 km from Chennai to Kolkata in just three hours—a fraction of the 24+ hours it takes by train or the 2.5-hour flight plus airport hassles.
• Offer tickets at an astonishing ₹600 per seat, undercutting the ₹1,500+ cost of an AC train ticket and making high-speed travel accessible to the masses.
• Cruise at a low altitude of 4 meters above water, with the ability to climb to 150 meters when needed for obstacle clearance.
• Achieve speeds of up to 500 kmph, rivaling small aircraft.
• Operate on battery-electric power initially, with a hydrogen-electric version in development for even greater range and sustainability.

This isn’t just about speed—it’s about affordability, accessibility, and environmental responsibility. By slashing travel times, costs, and carbon footprints, Waterfly’s E-Flying Boat could become the backbone of coastal mobility in India.

Where Are They Now? The Development Roadmap

Waterfly Technologies made a splash at Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, where they showcased their futuristic design to a global audience of innovators, investors, and defense experts. Their development timeline is ambitious but meticulously planned:

• April 2025: Launch and test a 100 kg prototype to validate the core technology and aerodynamics.End of 2025: Build a 1-tonne prototype to refine the design and scale up performance.
• 2026: Secure certification from the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines, ensuring compliance with global safety and operational standards.
• 2026–27: Roll out a 20-seater full-scale WIG craft with a 4-ton payload, ready for commercial passenger and cargo operations.
• 2029: Expand to long-distance international routes, such as Chennai to Singapore or even transcontinental journeys like Dubai to Los Angeles.

This roadmap reflects Waterfly’s commitment to moving from concept to reality with precision, backed by rigorous testing and regulatory approvals.

The Tech Behind the E-Flying Boat

So, how does this futuristic craft actually work? The E-Flying Boat is a marvel of engineering, blending cutting-edge aerodynamics, electric propulsion, and safety-focused design. Here’s a closer look at its key features:

Ground Effect Aerodynamics: By flying just above the water, the craft traps a cushion of air between its wings and the surface, dramatically reducing drag and boosting fuel efficiency. This allows it to glide with minimal energy consumption compared to traditional aircraft.

Electric Propulsion: The initial models will run on advanced lithium-ion batteries, delivering clean, quiet, and efficient performance. Waterfly is already exploring hydrogen-electric systems for future models, which could extend range and further reduce environmental impact.

Scalable Design: The craft is designed to evolve. Early versions will carry 20 passengers or cargo, but larger models are planned to handle bigger payloads, making it versatile for both commercial and defense applications.

Safety First: Safety is a cornerstone of the design. The E-Flying Boat can land on any calm water body in an emergency, eliminating the need for runways. Its low-altitude cruising also reduces risks compared to high-altitude aircraft, making it a safer option for coastal routes.

Multi-Terrain Capability: While primarily designed for water, the craft can operate over any flat surface, including ice, deserts, or obstacle-free land, opening up a wide range of use cases.

Why This Is a Game-Changer?

The E-Flying Boat isn’t just a cool piece of tech—it’s a transformative solution addressing some of the biggest challenges in transportation today. Here’s why it matters:

Sustainability: With zero-emission electric propulsion, the craft aligns with global efforts to combat climate change, offering a green alternative to fuel-guzzling planes and ships.

Affordability: At ₹600 per ticket, it democratizes high-speed travel, making it accessible to millions who can’t afford airfares or long train journeys.

Infrastructure Independence: No airports, runways, or roads are needed—just a calm water body for takeoff and landing. This makes it ideal for India’s coastal cities and remote regions.

Versatility: Beyond passengers, the craft can carry cargo, conduct surveillance, or support defense operations, making it a multi-purpose platform.Defense 

Potential: The low-altitude, high-speed craft is perfect for coastal surveillance, rapid troop deployment, or distributed warfare, attracting interest from military stakeholders.

The Brains Behind the BoatWaterfly

 Technologies is no ordinary startup. It’s built on the legacy of the team that developed India’s first electric race car at IIT Madras, a testament to their engineering prowess. Now, they’re guided by a dream team of mentors, including veteran defense professionals and distinguished IIT Madras professors. The startup is actively pursuing defense funding to develop dual-use versions of the craft, which could serve both civilian and military purposes. This blend of academic rigor, industry expertise, and strategic partnerships positions Waterfly as a serious contender in the global transportation landscape.

A Glimpse into 2029: The Future of Travel

By 2029, Waterfly envisions a world where coastal and international travel is faster, greener, and more connected than ever. Imagine:

Routine Chennai–Singapore trips, gliding across the Bay of Bengal in a few hours.

Dubai–Los Angeles routes, connecting continents with eco-friendly, high-speed travel.

A network of E-Flying Boats linking India’s coastal cities like Mumbai, Kochi, Visakhapatnam, and Kolkata, creating a seamless, sustainable transport grid.

This isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about reimagining how we move, live, and connect in a rapidly changing world.

Challenges and Opportunities

Of course, the road (or rather, the waterway) to success isn’t without hurdles. Waterfly will need to navigate complex regulatory frameworks, secure substantial funding, and perfect their technology for large-scale production. However, their affiliation with IIT Madras, early interest from defense sectors, and a clear development timeline give them a strong foundation to overcome these challenges.On the opportunity side, the global market for sustainable transport is booming. With governments and industries racing to meet net-zero goals, Waterfly’s zero-emission WIG craft could capture significant market share, not just in India but worldwide. Their focus on affordability also taps into the growing demand for inclusive, accessible mobility solutions.

Conclusion: A New Era of TravelWaterfly Technologies’ E-Flying Boat is more than a vehicle—it’s a bold step toward a future where travel is fast, affordable, and kind to the planet. With the backing of IIT Madras, a talented team, and a visionary roadmap, this Chennai-based startup is positioning itself as a global leader in ground-effect and electric marine aviation. As the world grapples with climate change, rising travel costs, and the need for innovative defense solutions, the E-Flying Boat could be the answer we’ve been waiting for.From coastal commutes to international journeys, Waterfly is ready to make waves—literally and figuratively. So, the next time you’re planning a trip from Chennai to Kolkata, don’t be surprised if you’re gliding over the ocean for ₹600, arriving in record time. The future of travel is here, and it’s electric, affordable, and soaring just above the waves.