Delhi Gets First Hydrogen Bus Service: DMRC Starts Eco-Friendly Shuttle in Central Vista

Key Highlights

• DMRC launched Delhi’s first hydrogen-powered shuttle bus service.

• Service started on May 15 in the Central Vista area.

• The bus uses hydrogen PEM fuel cell technology with zero emissions.

• Developed by Tata Motors and provided to DMRC by IOCL.

• Shuttle runs Monday to Friday with GPS tracking and CCTV safety.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has launched Delhi’s first hydrogen-powered shuttle bus service. The service officially started on May 15 and marks a major step toward cleaner and greener public transport in the national capital.

The hydrogen bus service has been introduced at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption due to rising global tensions and increasing energy concerns.

Hydrogen Bus Service Starts in Delhi

The new shuttle service will operate in the Central Vista area of Delhi. The buses will run between Central Secretariat and Seva Tirtha Metro Station, helping commuters travel in important government and public areas of the city.

DMRC received the hydrogen-powered bus from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). The bus was developed by Tata Motors and delivered to IOCL in 2023.

What is Special About the Hydrogen Bus?

The new DMRC bus uses advanced hydrogen-powered PEM fuel cell technology. Unlike diesel or petrol buses, this vehicle does not produce smoke or harmful emissions, making it an environmentally friendly transport option.

The bus comes with a 350-bar hydrogen storage system and uses a 70 kW fuel cell for power generation.

The 12-meter-long bus can accommodate 35 passengers and is equipped with several modern safety and technology features, including:

• Electronic braking system

• Stability control system

• Intelligent transport system

• Advanced telematics for efficient maintenance

• GPS-based live tracking

• CCTV camera setup for passenger safety

Routes and Timings of the Hydrogen Bus Service

The hydrogen shuttle service will be available from Monday to Friday. The buses will run in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions across important locations in Central Delhi.

Service Timings:

• 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM

• 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Areas Covered by the Hydrogen Bus:

• Kartavya Bhavan

• Vigyan Bhavan

• Nirman Bhavan

• Akbar Road

• Baroda House

• National Stadium

• National Gallery of Modern Arts

• India Gate

• Seva Tirtha Metro Station

Is Hydrogen Better Than CNG?

Hydrogen-powered vehicles are considered cleaner than petrol, diesel, and even CNG vehicles because they produce no pollution during operation. This makes hydrogen technology an attractive option for reducing air pollution in cities like Delhi.

However, hydrogen buses are still not widely used because the required infrastructure and fuel supply network are limited. Expanding hydrogen bus services will require better fuel availability and supporting facilities.

At present, CNG remains a more practical option for large-scale public transport operations. Still, hydrogen buses could play an important role in the future, especially in highly polluted cities where cleaner mobility solutions are needed.

CMV360 Says

The launch of Delhi’s first hydrogen-powered shuttle bus service is an important step toward sustainable and eco-friendly transportation. With zero-emission technology, modern safety features, and advanced tracking systems, the new DMRC hydrogen bus showcases the future of public transport in India. Although hydrogen infrastructure is still developing, this pilot service could help pave the way for cleaner mobility solutions in the coming years.