Green Hydrogen in Public Transport: Opportunities and Challenges for India

As India accelerates its transition towards a low-carbon economy, green hydrogen is emerging as a promising alternative fuel for the public transport sector. The launch of India's first hydrogen-powered train reflects the country's growing commitment to reducing transport-related emissions while advancing the objectives of the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Opportunities

  • Green hydrogen offers a zero-emission fuel alternative, producing only water vapour during operation and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • It is particularly suitable for long-distance railways, buses, and heavy commercial vehicles, where battery-electric solutions face limitations related to charging time and driving range.
  • The adoption of hydrogen-powered transport can reduce India's dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhance energy security, and create new opportunities in hydrogen production, storage, fuel-cell manufacturing, and allied industries.
  • It also complements India's commitments towards achieving Net Zero by 2070 and promoting sustainable mobility.

Challenges

  • The production cost of green hydrogen remains significantly higher than conventional fuels due to the high cost of renewable electricity and electrolysers.
  • Developing hydrogen refuelling stations, storage facilities, and transportation infrastructure requires substantial investment.
  • Safety standards, skilled manpower, and technological maturity are still evolving, while the availability of renewable energy at the required scale remains a critical challenge.
  • Ensuring economic viability without excessive public subsidies will be essential for large-scale adoption.

Conclusion

As India simultaneously pursues energy security and climate resilience, green hydrogen offers a transformative opportunity to redefine public transport for the coming decades. The challenge now lies not merely in adopting a new fuel, but in building a robust hydrogen ecosystem capable of delivering clean, affordable, and reliable mobility at scale.