India is preparing to introduce hydrogen fueling infrastructure along national highways in a landmark move toward cleaner transport. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has announced a pilot program valued at $68.64 million, spanning 10 strategic highway stretches. This initiative will test the viability of green hydrogen for commercial transport, with a focus on establishing safe and standardized fueling and storage systems.
The trials will take place in varied regions to evaluate technical performance, supply-chain efficiency, geographic adaptability, and logistical practicality. Findings from these tests will guide a potential nationwide rollout. The project is part of MoRTH’s long-term Vision 2047 roadmap, with completion expected within the next two to three years.
The ministry is collaborating with state-owned refiners — Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum — to set up the necessary infrastructure. Additionally, incentives will be extended to steel producers and automobile manufacturers to develop hydrogen-powered vehicle prototypes and specialized storage solutions.
Leading automakers such as Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, and Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles are expected to join the effort. Industry experts highlight that while electric vehicle infrastructure addresses short-distance needs, hydrogen fuel offers a more practical solution for long-haul freight and heavy-duty transport, where range and charging limitations hinder EV adoption.
This initiative aligns with India’s broader environmental objectives, including its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and its National Green Hydrogen Mission. Specialists emphasize the need for a comprehensive master plan to rapidly scale infrastructure, ensuring hydrogen vehicles can be widely deployed once market conditions improve.
Though the economics of green hydrogen remain challenging, establishing fueling networks is seen as a vital first step to stimulate demand and encourage technology adoption. Advocates believe that hydrogen highways, alongside EV-ready green corridors, will provide a dual strategy to achieve a cleaner, more sustainable transport ecosystem.
By moving forward with this pilot, India is signaling its intent to not only diversify its clean energy solutions but also position itself as a leader in hydrogen mobility for the decades ahead.
