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Key Points

Ladakh is making history with India's first hydrogen fuel cell buses, a major step toward sustainable transport. These buses, powered by solar-generated hydrogen, will run on Leh's high-altitude roads. The project cuts emissions significantly while boosting clean energy innovation. Trials begin this week before full-scale operations roll out.

Key Points: Ladakh Launches India's First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses in Leh

  • First commercial deployment of hydrogen buses in India
  • Reduces carbon emissions by 350 metric tonnes yearly
  • Powered by 1.7 MW solar plant at 11,562 ft altitude
  • Each bus covers 230 km per charge with 32-seat capacity
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In a first, hydrogen fuel cell buses to ply on Ladakh streets; trial run begins

Ladakh pioneers green mobility with India's first hydrogen fuel cell buses, reducing emissions by 350 metric tonnes annually.

"The bus service will start from Monday or Tuesday... if there is no problem, regular service will begin. – Tashichojin, SIDCO Leh"

Leh, June 22

The Union Territory of Ladakh is set to spearhead green energy drive in the country by operating the country’s first hydrogen fuel cell buses. The Union Territory is gearing up for the formal roll-out of hydrogen fuel cell powered buses and the trail run for the same is set to begin in Leh, in a day or two.

Five hydrogen fuel cell-based buses were handed over by National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited to the State Industrial Development Corporation at a recent ceremony.

The initiative marks the first-ever commercial deployment of these buses in the country. The commercial plying of these buses running on clean energy on the highest motorable roads in the world marks a significant milestone towards green mobility.

The one-of-its kind initiative marks a powerful symbol of India’s growing leadership in renewable energy innovation and aligns with the Centre’s broader push toward net-zero emissions. The project is expected to reduce carbon emissions by around 350 metric tonnes annually and contribute 230 metric tonnes of pure oxygen, equivalent to planting nearly 13,000 trees.

Under this project, NTPC has installed a 1.7 MW solar plant at the highest point of Leh at an altitude of 11,562 feet above sea level. Hydrogen will be produced through this solar plant, which will provide energy to these buses.

Tashichojin, operations in-charge of SIDCO in Leh, said five buses have been received so far and operations have been planned on three routes.

“The bus service will start from Monday or Tuesday. Right now, it will be run on a trial basis for a day or two and if there is no problem, then regular service will be started,” he said.

Tashichojin said that each bus has a seating capacity of 32 passengers and can cover a distance of about 230 km on a single charge. The fare of these buses will also be the same as that of electric buses and it will benefit the passengers financially.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is a fantastic initiative! Ladakh's extreme conditions make it the perfect testing ground for green technology. If these buses can work there, they can work anywhere in India. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
Wonderful news for both the environment and Ladakh's tourism sector! Clean energy buses will help preserve the region's fragile ecosystem while giving tourists a sustainable way to explore. Hope to see this model replicated in other Himalayan states soon.
A
Arjun S.
While I appreciate the green initiative, I hope the government has considered the maintenance challenges in Ladakh's harsh climate. Hydrogen fuel tech is still new - what happens if buses break down in remote areas? Infrastructure must keep pace with innovation.
N
Neha T.
So proud to see India leading in renewable energy! The fact that these buses will produce oxygen equivalent to 13,000 trees is mind-blowing. 👏 Can't wait to ride one when I visit Leh next summer!
V
Vikram J.
Great step forward, but I wonder about the cost-effectiveness. Hydrogen production is energy-intensive - is the solar plant enough to sustain operations year-round? Hope this isn't just a prestige project but has proper long-term planning.
S
Sunita R.
As someone from Ladakh, I'm thrilled! Our region needs sustainable development that doesn't harm the environment. The fact that fares will be same as electric buses makes it accessible for locals too. Thank you NTPC!

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