India Launches 5 Pilot Projects for Hydrogen-Fueled Vehicles Under National Green Hydrogen Mission

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy on Monday announced the launch of five pilot projects aimed at deploying hydrogen-fueled vehicles as part of India's ambitious National Green Hydrogen Mission. These projects will test the viability of hydrogen fuel across multiple routes nationwide, marking a significant step toward sustainable transportation.

Hydrogen Vehicles to Run Across 10 Routes Nationwide​

Under these pilot initiatives, the government plans to introduce 37 hydrogen-powered vehicles, including buses and trucks, which will operate on 10 different routes across India. The trials are strategically designed to assess hydrogen's effectiveness and practicality as a sustainable fuel alternative under real-world conditions.

Leading Companies to Implement Hydrogen Vehicle Projects​

Prominent industry players such as Tata Motors Ltd, Reliance Industries Limited, NTPC, Ashok Leyland, ANERT, HPCL, BPCL, and IOCL have secured contracts to execute these pilot projects. The Ministry sanctioned these projects after rigorous scrutiny, evaluating proposals related to hydrogen-based vehicle technology, route selection, and infrastructure readiness.

Investment and Infrastructure Development​

The Central government has allocated approximately Rs 208 crore to financially support these pilot projects. The initiative will also see the development of nine hydrogen refueling stations, providing crucial infrastructure needed for the expansion of hydrogen-powered transport in India.

Diverse Vehicle Technologies Under Testing​

The trial fleet will include 15 vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells and 22 vehicles utilizing hydrogen internal combustion engines. This diversified approach aims to thoroughly evaluate different hydrogen-based technologies, enabling informed decisions on future deployments.

Objectives and Future Prospects​

These pilot projects, expected to be commissioned within the next 18-24 months, are set to demonstrate the operational safety, technical viability, economic feasibility, and effectiveness of hydrogen-powered transport solutions. Successful trials could significantly accelerate the adoption of green hydrogen vehicles in India, aligning with the nation’s goal of sustainable mobility.

Towards Self-Reliance and Clean Energy Transition​

Launched on January 4, 2023, with an investment outlay of Rs 19,744 crore up to FY2029-30, the National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to establish India as a global leader in green hydrogen technologies. The mission is critical to India's broader vision of becoming Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) in clean energy, reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels, and significantly cutting carbon emissions across the economy.

These pilot projects represent a crucial milestone in India's journey toward sustainable energy leadership and provide an operational blueprint for a future driven by green hydrogen innovation.