India is taking a decisive step toward its clean energy transition by introducing green hydrogen infrastructure along national highways. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has announced a ₹600 crore (US$ 68.64 million) pilot project, which will set the stage for a hydrogen-powered transport network capable of supporting long-haul freight and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. This initiative falls under the government’s Vision 2047 mission and is part of the broader National Green Hydrogen Mission that aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.

The pilot project will cover 10 selected highway stretches across India, chosen strategically to assess technical, supply-chain, geographical, and logistical challenges before a full-scale nationwide rollout. The trials are expected to take two to three years to complete.

To ensure the project’s success, MoRTH is collaborating with state-run refiners such as Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL). These companies will play a central role in establishing the fueling and storage standards for green hydrogen along highways.

In addition, the ministry plans to incentivize steel and automobile manufacturers to develop hydrogen vehicle prototypes and storage systems. Major industry players such as Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, and Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles are anticipated to participate in the project. These companies will explore solutions to the range limitations faced by electric vehicles (EVs) in the long-haul transport sector, positioning hydrogen as a viable alternative fuel.

Hydrogen fuel holds particular promise for heavy-duty trucks, buses, and freight carriers, which require greater energy density and faster refueling compared to battery-powered EVs. While EVs are proving effective for short-haul and urban mobility, hydrogen offers advantages in long-distance transport, especially for goods movement across states.

Industry experts have stressed the need for a comprehensive master plan to rapidly expand hydrogen refueling infrastructure. They point out that while green highways with EV charging stations are already addressing certain mobility needs, hydrogen highways will cater to longer routes—creating a dual approach for a cleaner transport future.

However, challenges remain. Green hydrogen technology is still in its early stages, and the current economics make it less competitive compared to traditional fuels. Production costs, storage complexities, and distribution networks are key hurdles. Despite this, policymakers and industry leaders see infrastructure development as the first crucial step in seeding the market and building demand.

The project aligns with India’s long-term decarbonization strategy, ensuring that the transport sector—one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions—moves toward sustainable energy solutions. If successful, the initiative could position India as a leader in hydrogen mobility in Asia.

Over the next few years, stakeholders will closely monitor the pilot project’s performance. The insights gained will guide the scaling of hydrogen fuel infrastructure nationwide, creating an integrated network capable of supporting both electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. This dual-fuel strategy is expected to transform India’s road transport ecosystem, enhance energy security, and reduce dependency on imported fossil fuels.

With the ₹600 crore investment, strong public-private collaboration, and a clear vision, India is setting the groundwork for a future-ready transport network powered by green hydrogen. While challenges lie ahead, the move signals the country’s commitment to innovative, sustainable mobility solutions that will define the next era of transportation.

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