Hydrogen-powered buses are coming to Kerala, with services planned on two key routes: Thiruvananthapuram-Kochi and Kochi-Edappal. This move is part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to introduce hydrogen as a fuel alternative in buses and trucks.
The initiative is backed by India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, which has approved five pilot projects for hydrogen-based transport.
The central government is aiming to commission these pilot projects within the next 18 to 24 months. The success of these projects could pave the way for wider adoption of hydrogen technology in India’s transport sector.
Besides Kerala, hydrogen-powered buses will also be introduced on ten routes across the country, including: Greater Noida - Delhi - Agra, Bhubaneswar - Konark - Puri, Ahmedabad - Vadodara - Surat, Sahibabad - Faridabad - Delhi, Pune - Mumbai, Jamshedpur - Kalinga Nagar, Jamnagar - Ahmedabad, NH-16 Visakhapatnam - Bayyavaram
Several major companies are involved in implementing these pilot projects, including Tata Motors, Reliance Industries, NTPC, Ashok Leyland, HPCL, BPCL, and IOCL. The central government has allocated a financial aid of ₹208 crore to support these projects.
Hydrogen fuel is being touted as a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Specifically, ‘green hydrogen’ is produced by splitting water molecules using renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. Unlike conventional fuels, it emits no carbon when used, making it an environmentally friendly option.
By shifting towards hydrogen-powered transport, India aims to reduce air pollution and cut down its dependence on fossil fuels. However, large-scale adoption will depend on the success of these initial projects and how well the technology adapts to Indian conditions.
The National Green Hydrogen Mission has set its sights on gradually introducing green hydrogen as a mainstream transport fuel. For now, the pilot projects will serve as a crucial test for the technology’s viability in public transport. Whether hydrogen-powered buses become a common sight on Indian roads in the coming years remains to be seen.
