Odisha advanced its clean mobility agenda with a high-level review of the state’s first Green Hydrogen Mobility Project in Bhubaneswar on June 3, 2026.
Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee chaired the meeting, which focused on establishing a green hydrogen ecosystem for public transport.
The project, jointly pursued by CRUT, NTPC, and GRIDCO, aims to deploy three hydrogen fuel cell electric buses as a pilot initiative. Officials confirmed plans to set up a hydrogen production and refuelling facility at CRUT’s Pokhariput Depot. The facility will generate about 260 kilograms of green hydrogen daily, enabling buses to run up to 600 kilometres under ideal conditions.
The initiative supports India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and contributes to Net Zero goals. Authorities expect the project to eliminate tailpipe emissions, reduce nearly 900 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, and promote indigenous clean fuel technologies.
The capital investment stands at ₹53.55 crore, with ₹19.52 crore sanctioned under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. NTPC will develop and operate hydrogen infrastructure, GRIDCO will facilitate power supply and subsidies, while CRUT will manage bus operations.
Officials discussed operational modalities, route planning, financial viability, and risk allocation. CRUT raised concerns about operational expenditure, kilometre commitments, and revenue-sharing mechanisms. The meeting suggested initial deployment along the Bhubaneswar–Cuttack–Khordha–Puri–Konark corridor to demonstrate feasibility.
Padhee emphasised the importance of creating a scalable hydrogen ecosystem and urged agencies to resolve pending issues quickly. She highlighted the project’s potential to position Odisha as a leader in next-generation clean mobility solutions.
