India is set to launch pilot operations of hydrogen-powered buses and trucks on 10 selected routes as part of its push to build a green hydrogen-based transportation ecosystem.
Announcing the initiative, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said the pilot programme will involve leading public and private sector companies, including Reliance Industries, Tata Motors, NTPC, Ashok Leyland, Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum.
The demonstration projects are expected to test both hydrogen fuel-cell and hydrogen internal-combustion technologies under real-world operating conditions. The selected routes will cover important freight and passenger transport corridors across the country.
The initiative forms a key component of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to make the country a global hub for green hydrogen production, utilisation, and exports.
Industry experts believe hydrogen could be particularly effective for heavy commercial vehicles, where battery-electric solutions face limitations related to range, charging time, and payload capacity.
The pilot programme will help policymakers and industry stakeholders assess vehicle performance, refuelling infrastructure needs, operational costs, and the commercial feasibility of hydrogen-powered transport at scale.
