Dhirendra Singh from Greater Noida. Could hydrogen buses become the next big option for India's public transportation? According to Vidyanand Sahi, Senior Manager, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, hydrogen-based transportation is an important technology towards clean transportation. While talking to Read at the UP International Trade Show 2026, he told that 15 hydrogen buses of Indian Oil are operating in NCR and they have run about two lakh kilometers so far during the trials. He said that at present the cost of a bus is more than Rs 2 crore, but it is likely to come down once it is produced on a large scale. He also pointed out the need for tax concessions to promote hydrogen buses.
Read: Tell us about the technology of hydrogen bus. What is its specialty?
Vidyanand Sahi: Hydrogen is a clean fuel technology. The biggest feature of the hydrogen bus is that it produces zero emissions. The special thing is that Indian technology has been used in it. This technology could be key to clean transportation.
Read: Are hydrogen buses currently in practical operation?
Vidyanand Sahi: Absolutely. Indian Oil currently has 15 hydrogen buses running in NCR. These buses are operating on the Central Secretariat route. Apart from this, employees of Petroleum Ministry come and go from RK Puram by these buses. They are also being used to transport employees to and from Indian Navy townships.
Read: How much testing has been done on these buses so far?
Vidyanand Sahi: These buses have run about two lakh kilometers so far on trial basis. Now their operations are continuing further also. This is helping to understand the performance of this technology in real conditions.
Read: What is the purpose of exhibiting hydrogen bus in international trade shows?
Vidyanand Sahi: Its main objective is to create awareness. A large number of people are coming to this exhibition. Around four-five lakh people are expected to come. We want to tell people that such advanced clean transportation technology is being developed and operated in India. This is important considering future needs.
Read: Is there demand or interest in this technology from abroad also?
Vidyanand Sahi: Currently our main objective is to increase awareness about the technology and its practical use. On platforms like international trade shows, information reaches people from different countries and regions, which can create possibilities in the future.
Read: How much does a hydrogen bus cost?
Vidyanand Sahi: Currently its cost is more than Rs 2 crore. However, as the scale of production increases and around 10,000 buses are manufactured, the cost is likely to come down to around Rs 8 lakh.
Read: What is expected from the government to promote this technology despite the cost being high at present?
Vidyanand Sahi: Our expectation is that just as electric vehicles get some tax concessions, similarly, hydrogen buses should also get facilities like tax exemptions. This will help in the adoption and expansion of this technology.
Read: What is the biggest advantage of hydrogen bus compared to diesel and petrol buses?
Vidyanand Sahi: The biggest benefit is reduction in pollution. The hydrogen bus is based on zero emission technology. Currently its cost is higher than conventional fuel buses, but the cost is expected to come down once mass production takes place. Therefore, it can become an important option in the field of clean transportation.