Why Delhi’s new hydrogen shuttle buses are more than just a Metro experiment

In a major push towards cleaner urban transport, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will launch hydrogen-powered shuttle buses in the Central Vista area from May 15, offering last-mile connectivity across some of the capital’s busiest government zones.

The initiative comes at a time when fuel conservation has moved to the centre of national conversation following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal urging citizens to reduce fuel consumption amid global energy uncertainty linked to tensions in West Asia.

According to DMRC, the hydrogen-fuelled shuttle buses will connect Central Secretariat and Seva Teerth metro stations with key government offices and public landmarks in the Central Vista district.

Also Read | Delhi introduces two-day work from home plan for government employees amid Middle East crisis concerns

The service is being launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).

Green mobility push in Delhi’s power corridor

The shuttle buses will operate on circular clockwise and anti-clockwise routes covering major administrative and cultural landmarks including Kartavya Bhawan, Vigyan Bhawan, Nirman Bhawan, India Gate, National Stadium and the National Gallery of Modern Art.

DMRC said the move is aimed at reducing dependence on private vehicles while promoting cleaner mobility solutions in high-density official zones.

“In a major step towards promoting clean, sustainable and efficient urban mobility, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, will launch an integrated hydrogen-powered shuttle bus service in Delhi’s Central Vista area,” the corporation said in a statement.

The buses, provided by IOCL, can seat 35 passengers each and are equipped with GPS tracking systems and CCTV surveillance for operational monitoring and passenger safety.

Fare, timings and route details

The hydrogen shuttle service will run Monday to Friday, excluding gazetted holidays.

Timings

Morning: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Evening: 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Frequency

One shuttle every 30 minutes

Fare

Rs 10 and Rs 15 depending on the route

Passengers can pay using the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), UPI or cash.

While DMRC will handle ticketing, conductors and operations management, IOCL will provide hydrogen fuel support and drivers for the buses.

Fuel-saving message gains policy momentum

The roll out comes in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to Indians to adopt some pandemic-related behaviors, such as telecommuting, video conferencing, and curtailment of fuel usage to alleviate the burden on India’s import bills and foreign exchange reserves.

Also Read | No liquor below 21: Vijay govt begins tighter checks at TASMAC stores across Tamil Nadu

India continues to be vulnerable to crude oil imports via the Strait of Hormuz, which faces emerging geopolitical conflicts. The rise in international oil prices has exacerbated inflation worries, trade deficits, and pressure on the Indian rupee.

In this context, the hydrogen bus launch is expected to be seen as part of the country’s quest for efficient public transportation and reduced fossil fuel dependency.

The Central Vista trial can also serve as an experimental model for hydrogen-powered transportation in other parts of India should it prove to be a viable option.