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PASSENGER BOAT FOR FLOOD PLAINS

Boat accidents resulting in fatalities have become a pressing issue in India, particularly in regions prone to floods and heavy rainfall.

PASSENGER BOAT FOR

FLOOD PLAINS

HUMANITARIAN CRISIS

Over 10000+ lives effected in 2024 alone due to incidents primarily caused by poor boat construction, overloading, and navigation in adverse weather conditions. The common denominator in these tragedies is the capsizing of boats.

Beyond the immediate tragedy, these incidents have far-reaching consequences for families and communities. The economic burden, the emotional trauma, and the social disruption caused by such accidents are immense.

Addressing this issue is not just about saving lives; it is about improving the quality of life for countless people. It is about creating a safer environment for those who depend on boats for their livelihood and transportation.

Current Design

Chhot boats, commonly used in regions like Assam and Bihar, India, are traditionally constructed using local materials like wood and bamboo. Known for their shallow draft, these boats are well-suited for navigating rivers and wetlands. Their design emphasizes stability and load-carrying capacity, making them suitable for both transportation and fishing. However, these boats often lack modern safety features and are susceptible to damage in harsh conditions, limiting their operational efficiency and safety.

Solution Directions

Prevent capsizing, improve balance on water even with uneven loads or movement.

Enhance Boat Stability

Minimize risk by either spreading or limiting passenger/vehicle loads.

Control Overloading

Make the boat user-friendly for people, goods, and small vehicles.

Improve Loading & Unloading Access

Design fallback measures and structural support for emergencies.

Increase Safety in Case of Capsizing

Make the boat user-friendly for people, goods, and small vehicles.

Improve Loading & Unloading Access

Improve accessibility in tough terrains like swamps, narrow backwaters.

Alternative Mode of Transport

Concept Directions

Flat-Bottom Pontoon

It offers excellent stability and high load capacity, making it suitable for calm, shallow waters. Ideal for carrying passengers and vehicles at low cost.

Catamaran

Its wide beam improves stability and safety, especially when fully loaded, making it perfect for rural backwater transport with minimal risk of capsizing.

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Flat-Bottom Skiff

Best suited for light loads, low-speed commutes, and low-cost applications in tight waterways.

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Traditional Ferry

While familiar and cost-effective, it is more prone to imbalance under uneven loads compared to multihull designs.

Feature/Aspect	Flat-Bottom Pontoon Boat	Traditional Ferry Boat	Catamaran	Flat-Bottom Skiff
Manufacturing Cost	Low	High	Moderate	Low
Stability	High	High	Very High	Moderate
Shallow Water Navigation	Excellent	Moderate	Good	Excellent
Passenger Capacity	Moderate	Very High	High	Low
Capsizing Risk When Overloaded	Moderate	Low	Low	High
Vehicle Capacity	Moderate	Very High	High	Low
Ease of Manufacturing	Simple	Complex	Moderate	Simple
Maintenance Cost	Low	High	Moderate	Low
Versatility	Good	Good	Good	Fair
Operational Efficiency	Moderate	High	High	Moderate
Speed	Moderate	High	High	Moderate
Environmental Impact	Moderate	High	Low	Moderate
Self-Righting Capability	Moderate	Low	High	Low
Suitability for Customization	High	Low	High	Moderate
Safety Features	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Fair
Seating Comfort	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Fair
Loading and Unloading	Simple ramps and tie-downs	Advanced ramps and tie-downs	Advanced ramps and tie-downs	Simple ramps and tie-downs

The catamaran design offers superior stability, high load capacity, and shallow-water access—making it the safest and most cost-effective solution for rural backwater transport.

KEY DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Designing a river boat for shallow waters with enhanced stability and safety features involves several steps and factors to consider in the design process: