Bhubaneswar, June 4: In a major step towards sustainable urban transportation and clean energy adoption, the Odisha government has accelerated plans to introduce hydrogen-powered buses in the state. A high-level review meeting on the proposed Green Hydrogen Mobility Project was held under the chairmanship of Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, to assess the project's progress and implementation roadmap.
The project, being jointly undertaken by CRUT, NTPC and GRIDCO, aims to establish Odisha's first green hydrogen ecosystem for public transportation. It aligns with the Government of India's National Green Hydrogen Mission and supports the country's goal of achieving Net Zero emissions through the promotion of indigenous clean fuel technologies.
As part of the initiative, a Green Hydrogen Production and Refuelling Facility will be set up at CRUT's Pokhariput depot in Bhubaneswar. In the pilot phase, three Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Buses will be deployed on the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Khordha-Puri-Konark corridor. The facility is expected to produce around 260 kilograms of green hydrogen per day, enabling the buses to travel up to 600 kilometres daily under ideal operating conditions.
Officials said the project will offer a clean and efficient public transport alternative while eliminating tailpipe emissions. It is projected to reduce nearly 900 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, making a significant contribution to environmental sustainability and climate action.
The total capital investment for the project has been estimated at ₹53.55 crore. Out of this, ₹19.52 crore has been sanctioned under the National Green Hydrogen Mission through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. The remaining cost is proposed to be met through stakeholder contributions and support from the state government.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on route planning, operational feasibility, financial viability, institutional responsibilities and risk-sharing mechanisms. Under the tripartite agreement, NTPC will develop and operate the hydrogen infrastructure, GRIDCO will facilitate power supply and subsidies, while CRUT will manage bus operations and passenger services.
Reviewing CRUT's operational jurisdiction in the Capital Region, officials proposed that the initial deployment focus on the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Khordha-Puri-Konark corridor to ensure operational success and demonstrate the viability of hydrogen-powered mobility in Odisha.
Addressing the meeting, Usha Padhee said the project has the potential to position Odisha among the leading states pioneering next-generation clean mobility solutions. She directed all participating agencies to work in close coordination and resolve pending technical, financial and regulatory issues to ensure timely implementation.
Senior officials from CRUT, NTPC, GRIDCO, IPICOL and the Housing and Urban Development Department attended the meeting and discussed measures to establish a robust monitoring mechanism for the successful execution of the ambitious green mobility project.
