Overview
- Pune began a seven-day trial of a hydrogen fuel-cell bus on October 16, starting in Aundh and operating across major city routes to test real-world performance.
- The pilot is a joint effort of Mahaurja, PMPML, Tata Motors and Indian Oil, with ARAI, CIRT and the Regional Transport Office overseeing safety and technical monitoring.
- PMPML will decide on adding hydrogen buses to its fleet after the results and any required technical corrections are reviewed in line with national standards.
- Officials said each bus costs about Rs 2.5 crore with a 30% capital subsidy available to local bodies, and support is also offered for refuelling infrastructure.
- Hydrogen buses already run in Delhi and Vadodara, and authorities indicated further rollouts and a possible Balewadi hydrogen centre could follow in Maharashtra if the Pune trial succeeds.