India’s Green Hydrogen Journey, A Bold Step For A Clean Future

At the heart of this transformation is the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), an initiative that is not just about replacing conventional fuels but about reimagining the future of transport. The Government of India has taken a decisive step by launching five pilot projects that will test hydrogen-powered buses and trucks across ten key routes in the country.

These routes span the length and breadth of India — from the bustling highways of Ahmedabad-Vadodara-Surat to the scenic coastal roads of Bhubaneshwar-Konark-Puri, from the industrial corridors of Jamshedpur-Kalinga Nagar to the tech hubs of Pune-Mumbai.

Each of these routes will witness the movement of 37 hydrogen-powered vehicles, including 15 hydrogen fuel cell-based buses and trucks, and 22 hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

Powering The Future: Key Players

Such an ambitious project requires strong industry backing. India’s leading corporations — TATA Motors, Reliance Industries, NTPC, ANERT, Ashok Leyland, HPCL, BPCL, and IOCL — have stepped up to drive this green revolution.

They will be responsible for deploying these vehicles and setting up the necessary hydrogen refueling stations, nine of which will be established across the country.

With financial support of Rs 208 crore from the Government of India, these pilot projects are expected to hit the roads within the next 18 to 24 months. But this is just the beginning.

More Than Just A Pilot Project

These hydrogen-powered buses and trucks are not mere experiments; they are stepping stones toward a larger vision. The pilot projects will assess safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness under real-world conditions.

They will help engineers fine-tune the technology, policymakers refine regulations, and businesses evaluate the economic viability of a hydrogen-powered transport ecosystem.

If successful, these trials will lay the foundation for scaling up hydrogen-powered transportation in India, bringing the country closer to its vision of aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in clean energy.

Mission With Purpose

The National Green Hydrogen Mission is not just about fuel — it’s about the future. With a massive Rs 19,744 crore investment planned up to FY2029-30, this initiative aims to position India as a global leader in the clean energy transition.

Imagine a future where India’s highways are lined with zero-emission vehicles, where our bustling cities breathe cleaner air, and where our dependence on fossil fuels is replaced by a locally produced, sustainable alternative.

That future is no longer a distant dream. It is being built today — one hydrogen-powered bus, one refueling station, and one bold step at a time.