Pune has taken a notable stride in advancing clean transportation with the successful trial of Maharashtra’s first green hydrogen-powered bus. The pilot test, carried out under the Maharashtra Green Hydrogen Policy 2023, aligns with the central government’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and was held on Wednesday near Aundh.

The initiative, led by the Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (Mahaurja) in partnership with Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML), Tata Motors, and Indian Oil Corporation, aims to assess the viability of hydrogen fuel technology for public transport. The seven-day trial will see the bus operate across multiple routes in Pune to evaluate its efficiency in varying traffic patterns and weather conditions.

Anand Raidurg, General Manager of Mahaurja’s Project Division, highlighted that the project represents a critical step in exploring sustainable alternatives amid rising fuel costs and increasing environmental concerns. “This trial will help us gauge the operational feasibility and performance of green hydrogen technology under real-world conditions,” he said.

Experts from institutions such as the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT), Regional Transport Office (RTO), and Tata Motors will closely monitor the vehicle’s operation. Their focus will be on resolving any technical issues, analysing data on performance and safety, and ensuring that the bus adheres to national safety and emission standards before any potential scale-up.

Hydrogen fuel, as Raidurg explained, can be derived from natural gas, water, or biomass through processes like electrolysis or steam methane reforming. It is considered a clean and renewable energy source capable of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By utilising hydrogen in mobility applications, India can take meaningful steps towards achieving its long-term decarbonisation and energy transition goals.

The Pune trial thus represents not only a technological demonstration but also a strategic effort to build confidence in hydrogen mobility solutions. Its outcomes are expected to guide future deployments under the Maharashtra Green Hydrogen Policy and contribute to India’s broader ambition of creating a low-carbon, sustainable transport ecosystem.

Source:

https://www.thebridgechronicle.com/amp/story/news/pune-green-hydrogen-bus-clean-mobility-drive-agn97