Hydrogen Bus Service Begins Operations, Know Ticket Fare, Timings

Hydrogen Bus: Big news for bus commuters.  A hydrogen-powered shuttle bus service commenced in Delhi on May 15th. This initiative is being launched in partnership with the DMRC, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and the Ministry of Petroleum. The service will run between the Central Secretariat and Sewa Tirtha metro stations. The bus will operate from Monday to Friday. Its aim is to facilitate easy last-mile connectivity for government employees and the general public while decreasing the reliance on private vehicles.

The bus service will operate from Monday to Friday.

Morning – 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Evening – 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Buses will arrive every 30 minutes.
The buses will travel in both directions.

Benefits of hydrogen buses

The introduction of the hydrogen shuttle bus service will simplify travel from metro stations to workplaces. This will lessen the reliance on private vehicles and motivate government employees and the public to opt for public transport. These buses will link the Central Secretariat and Seva Tirtha metro stations with nearby government offices.

Hydrogen bus route

The service will encompass several key government offices and locations, including Kartavya Bhawan, Vigyan Bhawan, Nirman Bhawan, Akbar Road, Baroda House, National Stadium, National Gallery of Modern Art, and India Gate, among others.

Hydrogen bus rental

DMRC will oversee bus operations and ticketing, while IOCL will supply drivers and hydrogen fuel. This project is viewed as a significant advancement towards fostering clean energy and sustainable public transport in India. Tickets will be obtainable via NCMC cards, UPI, and cash payments. The fares for these buses are set at Rs 10 and Rs 15.

How does a hydrogen bus work?

Hydrogen buses are based on fuel cell technology. Hydrogen gas is stored in high-pressure tanks on the roof of the bus. This hydrogen is then transported to the fuel cell stack, where it chemically reacts with oxygen drawn from the outside air. This process generates electricity, which powers the bus’s electric motor. Significantly, this entire process produces no smoke or toxic gases. Only water vapor is emitted from the bus, making it considered a completely environmentally friendly technology.

What will be the impact on CNG buses?

Hydrogen buses are a cleaner and more modern option than CNG buses. Currently, many locations are using H-CNG technology, which blends hydrogen with CNG. This reduces carbon emissions. However, as hydrogen production and refueling infrastructure develops in the future, hydrogen buses may gradually replace CNG buses. These buses are also expected to have lower operating costs, making travel more affordable.