Delhi Launches First Hydrogen Bus Service Near Central Vista

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has launched Delhi’s first hydrogen-powered shuttle bus service in the Central Vista area, marking a significant step toward cleaner public transportation in the national capital. The service began operations on May 15 and is aimed at improving last-mile connectivity between Central Secretariat and Seva Teerth metro stations while reducing dependence on fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

The hydrogen-powered bus has been supplied to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation by Indian Oil Corporation Limited and manufactured by Tata Motors. The vehicle was originally delivered to IOCL in 2023 as part of a pilot fleet intended to evaluate hydrogen fuel cell technology as a long-term mass transportation solution in India. The initiative also aligns with recent calls by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reduce fuel consumption amid global geopolitical tensions and energy concerns.

The bus uses hydrogen-powered Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology and is equipped with a 350-bar hydrogen storage system along with a 70 kW fuel cell stack. According to officials, the vehicle produces zero tailpipe emissions, making it significantly cleaner than traditional diesel or compressed natural gas (CNG) buses. It also includes several advanced safety and operational features such as an electronic braking system, electronic stability control, intelligent transport systems, and next-generation telematics for maintenance monitoring.

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The 12-metre-long shuttle bus can accommodate up to 35 passengers and will operate in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions across key government and public landmarks in central Delhi. The route includes Kartavya Bhawan, Vigyan Bhawan, Nirman Bhawan, Akbar Road, Baroda House, National Stadium, the National Gallery of Modern Art, India Gate, and Seva Teerth Metro Station.

Experts say hydrogen-powered buses offer major environmental advantages over CNG-powered public transport because they emit only water vapor and heat during operation. However, large-scale deployment remains challenging due to the high costs associated with hydrogen production, storage infrastructure, and fuel distribution networks. CNG buses continue to remain more practical for daily urban fleet operations because of their established infrastructure and lower operational complexity.

For Delhi, the introduction of the hydrogen-powered shuttle service is being viewed as an important pilot project in the city’s broader push toward sustainable and low-emission mobility solutions. While the technology is still in its early stages in India, transport officials and industry experts believe such projects could help shape the future of green public transport as hydrogen infrastructure gradually expands across the country.

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