Trucks to Run on Green Hydrogen: Pilot Projects Launched on 10 National Highways
In a significant step towards sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions, the government has launched a pilot project to operate heavy vehicles on green hydrogen across 10 major highways in the country. This initiative, part of India’s larger strategy to strengthen its export competitiveness and reduce logistics costs, aims to advance the nation’s transition towards a carbon-neutral future while improving logistics efficiency.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, in collaboration with leading automobile companies, has identified 10 strategic highways for the pilot program. These routes have been selected for their logistical importance and to test the feasibility and challenges of large-scale green hydrogen deployment.
Identified Highways for the Pilot Project:
- Greater Noida – Delhi – Agra
- Bhubaneswar – Konark – Puri
- Ahmedabad – Vadodara – Surat
- Sahibabad – Faridabad – Delhi
- Delhi – Mumbai
- Jaipur – Kalim Nagar
- Tirumangalam – Kochi
- Cochin – Yellapalli
- Jamnagar – Ahmedabad
- Vishakhapatnam – Bhayavaram
The initiative aligns with the government’s dual objectives of achieving carbon neutrality and reducing logistics costs, which currently stand at around 14-16% of GDP — significantly higher than in many developed economies. By shifting to green hydrogen, India aims to lower logistics costs, improve transport efficiency, and make supply chains more sustainable.
Challenges in Green Hydrogen Adoption
Despite its promise, the widespread use of green hydrogen in heavy vehicles remains challenging due to its high production costs and limited infrastructure. Producing hydrogen from water electrolysis using renewable energy remains expensive, with current production costs around ₹397 per kilogram. The government is investing in technology development and large-scale production to reduce these costs in the coming years.
Additionally, the transition to hydrogen fuel requires significant investment in new refueling infrastructure and modifications to existing vehicle designs. Automotive companies, in collaboration with the government, have started developing compatible engines and vehicles that can operate efficiently on hydrogen fuel.
Experts believe that once commercial-scale production becomes viable, green hydrogen could revolutionize the logistics sector, significantly cutting down emissions and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The pilot project will provide critical insights into operational, infrastructural, and economic challenges, paving the way for a broader rollout across the nation.
