NTPC to Launch Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Buses in YEIDA Region to Boost Green Mobility
In a major step toward sustainable transportation, NTPC Ltd is set to launch a pilot project introducing hydrogen fuel-cell buses in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) region. The initiative aims to promote clean mobility and reduce carbon emissions in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The three-year pilot project will see four air-conditioned, 45-seater hydrogen electric buses begin operations by mid-November, pending final approval at the YEIDA board meeting on November 7. This will be NTPC’s second hydrogen bus deployment after Leh-Ladakh, and the first-ever in the NCR. A similar hydrogen initiative was launched by Indian Oil Corporation in Delhi in September last year.
Sustainable Transport Model for NCR
The YEIDA hydrogen bus project is designed to test the feasibility and efficiency of fuel-cell electric vehicles on major intercity routes, including the Delhi-Agra corridor and the upcoming Noida International Airport link. Hydrogen for the buses will be produced, compressed, and dispensed at NTPC’s Greater Noida facility, which will serve as the project’s operational hub.
Under the partnership, NTPC will oversee fuel production, maintenance, and driver training, while YEIDA will handle daily operations, route planning, permits, and fare collection. Each bus is expected to travel up to 600 km per hydrogen refill, with routes initially connecting Noida, Greater Noida, and the YEIDA region, before expanding to link the Noida International Airport.
The hydrogen plant’s production capacity of 260 kg per day is sufficient to support 10 lakh kilometres of fleet operations annually, assuming 300 working days. If the trial proves successful, this model could serve as a blueprint for zero-emission public transport networks across other parts of NCR and the country.
Backed by the National Green Hydrogen Mission
YEIDA CEO R.K. Singh said the project is aligned with the goals of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, India’s flagship initiative to accelerate hydrogen-based energy adoption. “This pilot demonstrates India’s growing commitment to building a green, sustainable future for urban transport,” Singh noted.
Complementary Electric Bus Plan
Complementing NTPC’s hydrogen initiative, the Uttar Pradesh government has approved a ₹675-crore project to deploy 500 electric buses across Noida, Greater Noida, and the Yamuna Expressway. Of these, 100 buses will operate within the YEIDA region.
These electric buses will run every 10 to 15 minutes during peak hours, improving connectivity between residential zones, industrial clusters, and the upcoming Noida International Airport — where all internal vehicles will be electric.
As India pushes toward a carbon-neutral transport ecosystem, NTPC’s hydrogen bus pilot represents a pioneering step in redefining how cities can adopt clean, scalable, and efficient public transport solutions.