Pune has taken a decisive step towards low-emission urban transport with the successful trial of Maharashtra’s first green hydrogen-powered bus under the Maharashtra Green Hydrogen Policy 2023. Conducted near Aundh on Wednesday, the pilot run forms part of the central government’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and is expected to continue for seven days across varied city routes to assess performance in real-world traffic and weather conditions.
The trial is spearheaded by the Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (Mahaurja) in collaboration with the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML), Tata Motors, and Indian Oil Corporation. Officials from regulatory and technical agencies including ARAI, CIRT, the Regional Transport Office (RTO), and Tata Motors are monitoring the bus to resolve technical challenges and ensure compliance with national safety standards. Hydrogen, produced from water, natural gas, or biomass via processes such as electrolysis or steam methane reforming, is recognised as a renewable energy source that emits zero pollutants at the point of use. Experts note that adoption of hydrogen mobility technology aligns with India’s energy transition goals, potentially reducing carbon emissions while diversifying fuel options for public transport networks.
PMPML, which has progressively adopted electric and CNG buses, is evaluating hydrogen-powered vehicles as a complementary sustainable solution. Officials emphasise that successful integration of hydrogen buses could enhance Pune’s clean mobility framework, improve urban air quality, and decrease reliance on fossil fuels. The pilot run will provide crucial data on operational efficiency, fuel consumption, and maintenance requirements, forming the basis for potential fleet-scale deployment. Hydrogen buses have already been operational in cities such as Delhi and Vadodara, demonstrating both feasibility and environmental benefits. Pune’s inclusion in this initiative represents a broader trend of Indian cities experimenting with alternative energy solutions to meet climate commitments and improve the sustainability of urban transport systems.
The initiative is also expected to inform policies on green energy adoption within public transportation, including incentives for operators, safety protocols, and integration with existing infrastructure. Officials highlight that technological trials like this are essential for creating resilient, eco-friendly, and equitable city transport networks that support long-term sustainability objectives. As Pune positions itself as a pioneer in hydrogen mobility, successful implementation could serve as a model for other metropolitan regions aiming to reduce urban air pollution, carbon footprints, and energy dependency, while providing citizens with a cleaner and more sustainable commuting experience.
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