Patna: A 15-year-old student from Patna has developed an innovative flood safety car prototype that can float on water, offering a potential breakthrough in saving lives during urban flooding or accidental water submersion. Atharva, a Class 10 student of Kendriya Vidyalaya Khagaul, designed the model after witnessing vehicles sink during heavy rains.
The prototype, designed with assistance from his schoolteachers, features an integrated air balloon system installed beneath the car’s chassis. When the car comes into contact with water, an air motor activates automatically and inflates the balloon, enabling the vehicle to remain afloat. Atharva likens the balloon’s function to that of an airbag—only instead of absorbing shock, it prevents drowning.
His innovation has received national attention and was recently selected in the National School Innovation Marathon under the Atal Innovation Mission. The initiative is aimed at identifying and nurturing student-led solutions for real-world challenges.
In recognition of his achievement, the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell has pledged support for patenting the model. Additionally, NITI Aayog has commended the design as a practical approach to addressing a common but deadly hazard on Indian roads.
The young innovator hopes that with further development, this technology could be integrated into commercial vehicle manufacturing, potentially revolutionising automobile safety in flood-prone regions.
