Odisha Targets Sustainable Urban Mobility Through Hydrogen Fuel Technology

Bhubaneswar: Odisha is moving closer to introducing hydrogen-powered public transport, with the State Government reviewing plans for a pioneering Green Hydrogen Mobility Project that aims to establish a clean-energy ecosystem and reduce carbon emissions from urban transportation.

The project was reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, in Bhubaneswar on Monday. The initiative is being jointly developed by Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), NTPC and GRIDCO as part of efforts to promote sustainable mobility solutions in the state.

Officials discussed the progress achieved since the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding among the three agencies. The project proposes setting up Odisha’s first Green Hydrogen Production and Refuelling Facility at CRUT’s Pokhariput depot in Bhubaneswar and deploying three Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Buses on a pilot basis.

The proposed facility is expected to produce around 260 kilograms of green hydrogen every day, while the hydrogen-powered buses are designed to travel up to 600 kilometres under ideal operating conditions. Apart from offering a zero-emission public transport alternative, the project is projected to reduce nearly 900 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

The estimated project cost stands at ₹53.55 crore. Of this, ₹19.52 crore has already been sanctioned under the National Green Hydrogen Mission through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. The remaining investment is expected to be mobilised through contributions from participating agencies and other support mechanisms.

The review meeting examined various operational and financial aspects of the project, including route planning, infrastructure requirements, revenue-sharing arrangements, risk allocation and institutional responsibilities. Under the proposed framework, NTPC will develop and operate the hydrogen production and refuelling infrastructure, GRIDCO will facilitate power supply and subsidy support, while CRUT will manage the operation of hydrogen-powered buses.

Officials also assessed concerns related to operational expenditure, financial sustainability and long-term viability of the initiative. Discussions focused on creating a balanced implementation framework that encourages innovation while safeguarding public resources.

To demonstrate the effectiveness of hydrogen-powered public transport, the meeting proposed initially operating the buses along the Bhubaneswar–Cuttack–Khordha–Puri–Konark corridor. The route was considered suitable for showcasing the technology while ensuring operational feasibility within CRUT’s service area.

Land allocation, regulatory clearances, viability gap funding and inter-agency coordination were also reviewed during the meeting. Stakeholders explored measures to expedite implementation while maintaining financial prudence and operational efficiency.

Addressing the meeting, Usha Padhee said the project has the potential to place Odisha among the leading states adopting next-generation clean mobility technologies. She emphasised the need to develop a scalable green hydrogen ecosystem that could serve as a model for sustainable public transportation across the country.

She directed all participating agencies to work in close coordination and resolve pending technical, financial and regulatory issues at the earliest. The meeting also discussed the creation of a dedicated monitoring mechanism to oversee project implementation and facilitate coordination among stakeholders.

Managing Director of CRUT Md. Siddique Alam, senior officials from NTPC, GRIDCO, IPICOL and the Housing and Urban Development Department attended the review meeting held at Kharabela Bhawan.