The Government of India has launched five pilot projects under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) to deploy hydrogen-fuelled buses and trucks. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) sanctioned these projects after evaluating proposals for hydrogen-based vehicles, routes, and refuelling stations.

The projects will involve 37 hydrogen-powered vehicles — 15 using hydrogen fuel cells and 22 with hydrogen internal combustion engines — along with nine hydrogen refuelling stations. The vehicles will operate across ten key routes, including Greater Noida–Delhi–Agra, Ahmedabad–Vadodara–Surat, Pune–Mumbai, and Jamnagar–Ahmedabad.

Multiple companies, including Tata Motors, Reliance Industries, NTPC, Ashok Leyland, Bharat Petroleum, and Indian Oil Corporation, have been awarded these projects, with a total government allocation of Rs 2.08 billion. The projects are expected to be commissioned within 18 to 24 months.

These initiatives aim to develop commercially viable hydrogen-based transport technologies, focusing on building refuelling infrastructure and supporting India’s transition to a sustainable hydrogen fuel ecosystem. They will also assess the technical feasibility, operational performance, and economic viability of hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Launched on January 4, 2023, the National Green Hydrogen Mission has a budget of Rs 197.44 billion through 2030, targeting reduced fossil fuel dependency and establishing India as a leader in green hydrogen technology. In October 2024, MNRE also approved three hydrogen-based pilot projects for steel production, with Rs 3.47 billion in financial support.

(Mercom)