Synopsis: Under India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, the country has launched hydrogen powered transport pilots in 10 major highway corridors. This article covers the key features of the pilot program, companies involved and expected benefits.
Green Hydrogen Mission was launched in January 2023, the National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to make India a global hub for the production, use, and export of green hydrogen. The mission involves a total financial investment of ₹19,744 crore and involves green hydrogen production, manufacture of electrolyser, running pilot projects, research and development, and building infrastructure. India’s target for green hydrogen production is to meet a yearly target of at least 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2030.
The mission can generate investments of over ₹8 lakh crore, generate jobs of more than 6 lakh, reduce fossil fuel imports by more than ₹1 lakh crore and cut down carbon emissions by 2030. The hydrogen transport pilots are an integral part of the mission, supporting the commercial potential of hydrogen mobility and paving the way for hydrogen mobility on a large scale in heavy goods traffic and public transport.
The Pilot Programme at a Glance
Launched in July 2026 under the National Green Hydrogen Mission(NGHM), the hydrogen mobility pilot covers 10 major highway corridors across India and marks the country’s first large-scale demonstration of hydrogen-powered road transportation. The programme has put in place 37 trucks and buses that are powered by Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) and Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H₂-ICE) technology.
The hydrogen mobility pilot network includes 10 strategic highway corridors in India, including key industrial hubs, ports, metros, and tourist destinations. The corridors include:
- Greater Noida-Delhi and Agra
- Sahibabad-Faridabad-Delhi
- Ahmedabad-Vadodara-Surat
- Jamnagar-Ahmedabad
- Pune-Mumbai
- Bhubaneswar-Konark-Puri
- Jamshedpur-Kalinga Nagar
- Thiruvananthapuram-Kochi
- Kochi-Edappally
- Visakhapatnam-Bayyavaram (NH-16)
In all these corridors, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, Jharkhand, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh have key economic hubs and logistics areas.
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Companies and Organisations Involved
- The hydrogen mobility pilots are actions initiated by all stakeholders (vehicle manufacturers, hydrogen producers, OMCs and infrastructure developers) that are designed to build a hydrogen transport ecosystem.
- Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland are providing hydrogen powered trucks and buses in both Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) and Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H₂-ICE) versions.
- Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) are expected to build the infrastructures for hydrogen refuelling stations and enable fuel supply on the identified corridors.
- National Green Hydrogen Mission is pushing for the development of green hydrogen and the implementation of projects by various companies including NTPC Green Energy, Reliance Industries and other hydrogen developers.
- Led by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and involves testing agencies, research institutes and industry partners to test the performance, safety and commercial viability of the vehicle before it can be used on a large scale.
Expected Benefits
- Reduced fossil fuel dependence: The shift from diesel to green hydrogen for heavy duty vehicles can help in reducing crude oil imports in India and enhance its energy security.
- Lower carbon emissions: Hydrogen-powered vehicles, including Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), only emit water vapour at the tailpipe, thereby helping decarbonise one of the country’s most polluting sectors of transport.
- Cleaner freight and public transport: Range and charging time are issues with battery electric vehicles, making the technology particularly appropriate for long-haul freight vehicles and intercity public transport.
- Boost to the hydrogen economy: Stimulate investments in green hydrogen production, electrolyser production, refuelling infrastructure, and indigenous vehicle technologies.
- Industrial & employment development: The industrial growth and expansion of the hydrogen value chain with the addition of skilled jobs and bolstering the clean energy manufacturing ecosystem is expected to bring new business opportunities.
- Policy and technology development: The operational data gained from the pilots will be used to further refine safety requirements, regulations, infrastructure plans and future hydrogen mobility policies for broader commercialisation of hydrogen.
Conclusion
The hydrogen mobility pilot in India is a significant move towards cleaner and greener transportation. The trials in 10 highway corridors will aid in assessing the potential of hydrogen in heavy duty mobility, as well as in supporting the National Green Hydrogen Mission and the country’s long term decarbonisation targets.
