YEIDA Plans Hydrogen Bus Service from Noida to Taj Mahal via Noida International Airport

Key Highlights

• Hydrogen buses to run between Noida and Agra daily.

• Direct eco-friendly link to the Taj Mahal via the airport.

• Three AC buses with a 600 km range per refill.

• NTPC to supply buses and hydrogen fuel.

• Bids close on January 27.

The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) is set to introduce hydrogen-powered buses to offer a clean and low-emission travel option for tourists heading to the Taj Mahal. These buses will operate daily on a 200 km route connecting Noida’s Sector 35 to Agra ISBT, passing through the upcoming Noida International Airport.

This initiative is part of YEIDA’s plan to run three hydrogen buses for a period of three years, creating a direct and eco-friendly public transport link for passengers landing at the airport and travelling to Agra.

Hydrogen Bus Project Back on Track

The hydrogen bus trial had earlier faced delays in November 2025 due to the absence of a clear policy on deploying drivers and conductors. Officials have now resolved this issue, and YEIDA has started the process of appointing an operating agency to manage the service.

Roles of NTPC and the Operating Agency

According to YEIDA’s request for proposal (RFP) document:

• NTPC will supply both the hydrogen buses and the hydrogen fuel.

• The selected operating agency will handle daily operations, including driving, staffing, maintenance, cleaning, and routine upkeep of the buses.

Hydrogen refuelling will take place at NTPC’s NETRA facility in Greater Noida.

Bus Specifications and Route Details

The project will deploy three 12-metre hydrogen-powered buses, each offering:

• Air-conditioned comfort

• Seating capacity for 40 passengers

• An operating range of around 600 km on a single refill

The buses will run along the Yamuna Expressway, a corridor surrounded by emerging industrial sectors, logistics hubs, and airport-linked infrastructure.

Daily Operations and Performance Targets

Each bus will be required to:

• Cover at least 2 lakh kilometres annually

• Average 15,000 km per month

• Run about 500 km daily, translating to at least 1.5 trips per bus per day

The service framework allows for night operations, peak-hour services, and special trips, depending on airport-related travel demand.

Safety, Monitoring, and Reporting

To ensure transparency and efficiency:

• All buses will be fitted with GPS tracking systems

• Onboard passenger-count cameras will monitor usage

• Operators must maintain detailed records of trips, distances, and incidents

• Monthly performance reports must be submitted to YEIDA

Drivers deployed for the service must hold valid heavy motor vehicle (HMV) licences.

Revenue Model and Bidding Timeline

YEIDA has set a minimum assured revenue of ₹58 per km, with a 5% annual escalation. If actual earnings fall below this level, the assured amount will be paid to the operator.

The operating agency will be selected through a two-stage bidding process, with bids scheduled to close on January 27.

Step Towards Cleaner Tourism Transport

With this hydrogen bus initiative, YEIDA aims to promote sustainable mobility while offering tourists a direct, clean, and comfortable travel option from Noida International Airport to the Taj Mahal, supporting India’s broader push towards low-emission public transport.

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CMV360 Says

YEIDA’s hydrogen bus initiative marks a strong step toward clean and sustainable tourism transport in Uttar Pradesh. By connecting Noida, the upcoming international airport, and Agra through zero-emission buses, the project aims to reduce pollution while improving passenger comfort. With NTPC’s support, modern monitoring systems, and assured revenue for operators, the plan sets a practical model for future green public transport corridors in India.