Pune has moved a step closer to clean urban transport with the successful trial of Maharashtra’s first green hydrogen-powered bus under the Maharashtra Green Hydrogen Policy 2023. The trial run, conducted near Aundh on Wednesday, is part of the central government’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and will continue for seven days on different city routes to study the bus’s performance in actual traffic and weather conditions, reports Urban Acres.
The project is being carried out by the Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (Mahaurja) in partnership with Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML), Tata Motors, and Indian Oil Corporation. Officials from ARAI, CIRT, the Regional Transport Office (RTO), and Tata Motors are keeping a close watch on the trial to fix technical issues and ensure that all safety rules are followed.
Hydrogen, produced from water, natural gas, or biomass through methods like electrolysis or steam methane reforming, is known as a clean energy source that gives off no pollutants when used. Experts say that using hydrogen fuel for vehicles supports India’s clean energy goals by cutting carbon emissions and reducing the use of traditional fuels in public transport.
PMPML, which already runs electric and CNG buses, is now testing hydrogen-powered vehicles as another clean option. Officials said that if the trial proves successful, it could help Pune expand its eco-friendly transport network, improve air quality, and reduce the city’s dependence on fossil fuels. The test will also provide important data on the bus’s performance, fuel use, and upkeep needs, which will help decide whether more such buses should be introduced in the future.
Hydrogen buses are already running in cities like Delhi and Vadodara, showing both their practicality and environmental benefits. Pune’s entry into this project marks another step in India’s growing efforts to make transport systems more sustainable and meet climate targets.
The trial is also expected to guide future policies on green energy use in public transport, including possible support for transport operators, safety measures, and the development of related infrastructure. Officials said that such experiments are important for building cleaner, safer, and more reliable city transport systems.
With this pilot project, Pune aims to lead by example in adopting hydrogen mobility. If the trial succeeds, it could inspire other cities to follow suit in cutting pollution, lowering emissions, and offering citizens a cleaner way to travel.
