With India speeding up its shift to alternative fuels due to increasing worries about global energy security, Odisha is poised to become a leader in hydrogen-powered public transportation in the country.

Following New Delhi and Ladakh, the state intends to launch hydrogen fuel cell buses on a trial basis on the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Khurda-Puri-Konark route. Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), NTPC, and Grid Corporation of Odisha (Gridco) have signed a tripartite agreement to create the state's inaugural green hydrogen ecosystem focused on urban mobility.

A facility for producing and refuelling green hydrogen will be set up at CRUT's Pokhariput depot in Bhubaneswar as part of the project. The plant is anticipated to generate approximately 260 kg of green hydrogen daily and assist in operating three hydrogen fuel cell electric buses during the trial phase.
Md Sadique Alam, managing director of CRUT, stated that the state administration has allocated land for the manufacturing site.

“NTPC will establish and manage the infrastructure for hydrogen production and refueling, whereas Gridco will support electricity provision and relevant incentives.” “Md Sadique states that CRUT will manage bus services and passenger operations.”

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Alam reported that three hydrogen fuel cell buses will first be implemented on the Cuttack-Bhubaneswar-Puri-Konark corridor, which is among Odisha's most active urban and tourism routes.

“The corridor will act as a test model for evaluating the practicality of hydrogen-powered public transport in actual operational environments. The buses will be introduced in a few months after the facilities are completed," he stated.

The overall project expenditure is estimated to be Rs.53.55 crore. Of this, ₹19.52 crore has been approved by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy as part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The outstanding expenses will be covered by contributions from involved agencies and state support systems.

The initiative gains increased importance during a period when the situation in West Asia has heightened worries over the fragility of worldwide oil and gas resources. India, importing over 85 percent of its crude oil needs, has been actively implementing energy diversification strategies to lessen reliance on fossil fuel imports and improve long-term energy security.

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The hydrogen-fueled buses are built to cover as much as 600 km daily in optimal conditions, greatly surpassing numerous battery-electric buses regarding range. In contrast to traditional diesel buses, hydrogen fuel cell buses produce only water vapor, completely removing exhaust emissions.

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Authorities project that the initiative might lower nearly 900 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year, significantly aiding climate mitigation efforts and enhancing urban air quality.