Government to roll out hydrogen buses in green transport push
The Delhi Government is preparing to introduce hydrogen fuel cell buses in the national Capital as part of its clean mobility programme, with an initial fleet of two buses to be deployed on a pilot basis in partnership with Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and NTPC.
The move marks Delhi’s entry into hydrogen-powered public transport and is aimed at strengthening the city’s transition towards low-emission and environmentally sustainable mobility systems.
Officials said the buses will operate using hydrogen fuel cell technology, which is known globally for producing zero tailpipe emissions and reducing pollution levels in urban transport networks.
The pilot project will be carried out under a coordinated framework involving DTC, NTPC and other agencies. The Delhi Government said operational arrangements and deployment plans are currently being finalised before the buses begin service in the city.
Delhi Transport Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh said the Government was steadily moving towards cleaner and future-oriented public transport systems. “Hydrogen fuel technology is an important step towards building environmentally responsible transport infrastructure in Delhi,” he said. The minister added that the government was working with organisations such as NTPC to introduce advanced zero-emission technologies that could help improve public transport while contributing to cleaner air in the capital.
According to officials, the buses are expected to run under the Gross Cost Contract model, under which DTC will handle operational deployment and bear expenditure at approved GCC rates. Support for costs beyond the GCC framework is being explored through NTPC’s Corporate Social Responsibility support mechanism and other arrangements being discussed between the agencies involved.
The government said a formal Memorandum of Understanding between the stakeholders is also being prepared to facilitate the launch of operations. Discussions are underway regarding operational procedures, technical support, and route planning for the pilot phase.
Hydrogen fuel cell buses are considered one of the emerging alternatives to conventional fossil fuel vehicles. Unlike diesel-powered buses, hydrogen buses generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapour as a byproduct.
The technology is increasingly being adopted in several countries as governments look for cleaner urban transport solutions.
The Delhi Government said the initiative complements its ongoing efforts to modernise the public transport system and reduce vehicular pollution in the city. The capital has already been expanding its electric bus fleet and promoting clean energy-based mobility solutions in recent years.