CIAL to Deploy India’s First Hydrogen Buses

Cochin- Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL)., is set to introduce India’s first hydrogen-powered buses for passenger movement within airport premises, after signing a Memorandum of Agreement with the Kerala Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster Foundation under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The initiative is part of Kerala’s broader Hydrogen Valley programme aimed at accelerating clean-energy applications across the state.

As part of the project, CIAL will procure and operate three hydrogen fuel cell electric buses. Financial support for the procurement will be provided by the foundation, capped at INR 2.90 crore per bus, with the total approved project cost at INR 8.7 crore. The funding will be released in phases based on project progress and milestone compliance.

The buses are expected to be delivered within around 12 months. Once inducted, they will be owned and operated by CIAL, which will manage day-to-day operations, route planning, maintenance, and all statutory and safety requirements linked to hydrogen mobility.

To support operations, green hydrogen will be supplied from a hydrogen production facility being developed at the airport in collaboration with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL). CIAL said necessary statutory approvals for the hydrogen infrastructure have already been secured, enabling the integration of hydrogen-based transport into ground operations once the plant becomes operational.

CIAL, known for its renewable energy initiatives including large-scale solar installations, said the hydrogen bus deployment extends its clean-energy strategy into passenger transport systems. The project also aligns with Kerala’s plans to emerge as a hub for hydrogen-based technologies across transport and industrial sectors.

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