In a historic step toward sustainable energy and mobility, India’s first green hydrogen plant dedicated to public transportation was inaugurated in Surat, Gujarat, in June 2025. Developed jointly by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Gujarat State Transport Corporation (GSTC), and private partner Reliance GreenTech, the facility is expected to power over 500 hydrogen fuel cell buses by early 2026.
The ₹1,500 crore project, built across 100 acres, uses electrolysis powered by solar and wind energy to produce up to 15 tons of green hydrogen per day. This makes it not only India’s largest hydrogen production facility but also one of the few globally dedicated to powering public transport fleets.
India’s Hydrogen Push: A National Priority
Green hydrogen, hailed as the fuel of the future, is a critical pillar in India’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in 2023, the government aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030.
The Surat facility is a key milestone under this mission. It is expected to reduce annual carbon emissions by over 40,000 tons and replace more than 25 million litres of diesel in urban transport. It will also create around 2,000 jobs, directly and indirectly, in plant operation, logistics, and infrastructure management.
Hydrogen-Powered Public Transport: The Pilot Rollout
The first fleet of 50 hydrogen buses began operation across Surat’s BRTS corridor this week, offering citizens a silent, emission-free commute. The buses are equipped with fuel cells manufactured in India by a Bengaluru-based clean-tech startup, showcasing the role of indigenous innovation.
Each bus can travel up to 400 km on a single hydrogen refill, and the refueling process takes less than 15 minutes—significantly faster than charging electric buses. The state government plans to expand the service to Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Gandhinagar in the next phase.
A public mobile app now tracks bus availability, CO₂ savings per ride, and feedback from passengers, who have already praised the vehicles for their smoothness, lack of noise, and zero tailpipe emissions.
Policy Support and Future Plans
To support the shift, the central government has waived GST on green hydrogen infrastructure and is offering capital subsidies of up to 40% for cities adopting hydrogen-powered buses.
Meanwhile, multiple other hydrogen hubs are under construction in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan. The Indian Railways is also piloting hydrogen-powered locomotives, with trials expected to begin later this year.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is working with NITI Aayog and IITs to create safety standards and training modules for hydrogen handling and storage.
Conclusion
The opening of India’s first green hydrogen plant for public transport marks a paradigm shift in sustainable urban mobility. By integrating clean energy with mass transportation, India is not just reducing emissions—but setting a model for developing nations navigating the energy transition. With hydrogen’s promise and policy support, India is taking confident steps toward a greener, cleaner future.
