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Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) is set to introduce India's first hydrogen-powered buses for passenger movement after entering into an agreement with the Kerala Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster Foundation under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The project involves the deployment of three hydrogen fuel cell electric buses, with financial support capped at INR 2.90 crore per bus and a total project cost of INR 8.7 crore. The buses are expected to be delivered within a year and will be owned and operated by CIAL, supported by a green hydrogen supply facility being developed at the airport.
Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) will become the first airport in the country to operate hydrogen-powered buses for passenger transport following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with the Kerala Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster Foundation. The agreement has been executed under the National Green Hydrogen Mission and forms part of Kerala's broader Hydrogen Valley initiative aimed at promoting clean energy applications. Advertisement
Under the arrangement, CIAL will procure and operate three hydrogen fuel cell electric buses for use within airport premises. Financial assistance for the buses will be provided by the foundation, with funding limited to INR 2.90 crore per vehicle. The total approved cost of the project stands at INR 8.7 crore, which will be disbursed in phases based on progress and compliance with project milestones.
The buses are expected to be delivered within approximately 12 months. Once inducted, ownership will rest with CIAL, which will also handle day-to-day operations, route planning, maintenance, and all statutory and safety-related requirements associated with hydrogen-powered mobility.
The hydrogen fuel required for operating the buses will be supplied from a green hydrogen plant being developed at the airport in collaboration with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL). Statutory approvals for the hydrogen infrastructure have already been secured, enabling the airport to integrate hydrogen-based transport into its ground operations once the facility becomes operational.
CIAL has previously implemented several renewable energy initiatives, including large-scale solar power installations, and the introduction of hydrogen-powered buses extends its clean energy approach to passenger transport systems. The project is also aligned with Kerala's push to position itself as a hub for hydrogen-based technologies across transport and industrial sectors.
Source PTI
FAQ
Q1. What is the new initiative being launched at Kochi airport?
Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) is set to introduce India's first hydrogen-powered buses for passenger movement within airport premises. This marks a major step in adopting clean mobility solutions in Indian aviation infrastructure and aligns with national and state-level green energy objectives.
Q2. Which organisations are involved in this hydrogen bus project?
The project is being implemented through a Memorandum of Agreement between CIAL and the Kerala Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster Foundation. It falls under the National Green Hydrogen Mission and is part of Kerala's broader Hydrogen Valley initiative aimed at promoting hydrogen-based technologies.
Q3. How many hydrogen-powered buses will be deployed and what is the project cost?
A total of three hydrogen fuel cell electric buses will be deployed at the airport. Financial support for each bus is capped at INR 2.90 crore, with the total approved project cost standing at INR 8.7 crore. Funds will be released in phases based on progress and compliance with project milestones.
Q4. Who will own and operate these hydrogen buses?
Once delivered, the buses will be fully owned and operated by Cochin International Airport Ltd. CIAL will be responsible for daily operations, maintenance, route planning, safety compliance, and meeting all statutory requirements associated with hydrogen-powered transport.
Q5. How will the hydrogen fuel be supplied for these buses?
The hydrogen required for operating the buses will be sourced from a green hydrogen production facility being developed at the airport in collaboration with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL). Necessary statutory approvals for the hydrogen infrastructure have already been obtained.
Q6. Why is this project significant for Kochi airport and Kerala?
The initiative builds on CIAL's track record in renewable energy, including extensive solar power usage, and extends clean energy adoption to passenger transport. It also supports Kerala's ambition to emerge as a hub for hydrogen-based technologies while demonstrating the viability of hydrogen mobility in high-traffic public infrastructure like airports.
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