Kolkata To Chennai In Just 3 Hours At Rs 600 Possible, Claims IIT M-Backed Startup

In an exciting development that could revolutionize travel in India, Waterfly Technologies, a start-up supported by IIT Madras, has announced plans to offer a new form of transportation that promises to take you from Kolkata to Chennai in just three hours at a fare of only Rs 600. While this may seem too good to be true, the company claims that this dream could soon become a reality.

Waterfly Technologies is working on introducing a Wing-in-Ground (WIG) craft, which would travel just four meters above the sea surface, drastically cutting travel time and costs.

Anand Mahindra Amazed by Water Craft

Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, has expressed his admiration for an ambitious venture emerging from IIT Madras.

In a post on X, he lauded the Indian tech and infrastructure ecosystem, particularly highlighting the innovative strides made by Waterfly Technologies, a startup incubated at IIT Madras.

“IIT Madras promises to rival Silicon Valley in terms of nurturing startups…! Almost every week there’s news of a new ‘TechVenture’,” Mahindra wrote. “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! Design Rules!” he wrote in his post. 

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What Makes This Craft Unique?

The WIG craft being developed by Waterfly Technologies will fly close to the water’s surface, utilizing a scientific phenomenon known as the “ground effect.” This reduces the friction on the wings of the craft, allowing it to fly at lower speeds while still maintaining lift due to the air cushion created above the water. This unique design makes the craft more efficient and cost-effective.

According to Keshav Choudhary, co-founder of Waterfly Technologies, the aircraft’s design is cheaper to build and easier to maintain than traditional airplanes. Since the WIG craft doesn’t fly at high altitudes, it doesn’t need to withstand the low air pressure that regular planes do. This reduces the construction costs significantly. Additionally, since the craft will use the vast expanse of the ocean as its runway, it won’t need the powerful engines required for airplanes that take off from limited runways.

Internet Reacts 

Social media users expressed excitement over the innovation, with some calling India unstoppable and others praising the impressive development.

One comment highlighted how IIT Madras is not just fostering startups but also driving global innovation, positioning India as a potential rival to Silicon Valley.

A user also pointed out the need for better design tools, noting that most are Western-made with expensive licensing, contrasting it with China’s investment in foundational technologies.