India Set to Pilot Hydrogen Buses and Trucks Across 10 Roads; Reliance, Tata Group, NTPC and Ashok Leyland to Participate

India is set to launch a pilot project for hydrogen-powered buses and trucks on 10 selected roads.  

This initiative, involving major companies like Reliance Industries, Tata Group, and NTPC, marks a substantial step in India's transition to renewable energy, aiming to eventually position the country as an energy exporter. 

Pioneering Hydrogen-Powered Transport in India 

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced the commencement of a pilot project focusing on hydrogen-powered buses and trucks.  

10 roads across the country have been selected for this project, with companies such as Reliance Industries, Tata Group, NTPC, and Ashok Leyland participating.  

Gadkari stated, "We have started making hydrogen," highlighting the initiative's significance for India's energy landscape. 

India's Shift from Energy Importer to Exporter 

Speaking during the launch of Maruti Suzuki's WagonR Flex Fuel in New Delhi, Gadkari emphasised the country's potential to transition from an energy importer to an energy exporter.  

This transition is supported by advancements in ethanol, hydrogen, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).  

Currently, India produces 78,000 tonnes of SAF annually, with plans to expand production for use in fighter jets and helicopters. 

Efforts to Propel Ethanol and Flex-Fuel Vehicles 

Gadkari addressed doubts about ethanol, noting that the involvement of large corporations in its production highlights its feasibility.  

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, commented on stable petrol and diesel prices in India, despite global disruptions.  

He announced plans to introduce E85, a blend containing up to 85% ethanol, across 500 stations in Delhi-NCR and Mumbai-Pune-Nagpur corridors by December of this year. 

Read More: Reliance’s Battery Giga-Factory Nears Commissioning, Production Ramp-Up Expected in H2 2026! 

Flex-Fuel Vehicles in India’s Energy Transition 

Maruti Suzuki Managing Director and CEO, Hisashi Takeuchi, affirmed the company's commitment to supporting the government's ethanol-blending initiatives.  

The launch of the WagonR Flex Fuel represents a significant step in bringing ethanol-based technology to the mass market, reinforcing India's broader strategy for cleaner automotive alternatives. 

Conclusion 

India's pilot project for hydrogen-powered buses and trucks, in collaboration with industry giants such as Reliance, Tata, and NTPC, signifies an important phase in its renewable energy initiatives. The focus on reducing dependence on energy imports while expanding sustainable fuel production forms a cornerstone of the country's strategy to achieve energy independence. 

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