CIAL to Operate Hydrogen-Powered Buses

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) will become the first operator to use hydrogen-driven buses in India and will introduce three hydrogen-powered buses within 12 months in order to reduce airport emissions. 

This step through the Hydrogen Valley program of Kerala is in line with the National Green Hydrogen Mission of sustainable transport.

What is MoA About?

On February 1, 2026, Kerala Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty and Industries Minister P. Rajeeve signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between CIAL and foundation of the Kerala Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster (HVIC) in Kochi. 

The agreement guarantees a maximum subsidy of up to ₹2.90 crore per bus with a maximum of ₹8.7 crore to be reported in installments, making CIAL the owner of operations, maintenance and routes.

What is the National Green Hydrogen Mission?

Introduced in 2023, this flagship plan aims to achieve 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030 with the support of ₹19,744 crore to decarbonize sectors such as steel, shipping and mobility. 

Kerala uses it via HVIC to launch pilot projects to promote the production of electrolyzers and fueling facilities around the country. The buses of CIAL are the start of hydrogen mobility in aviation, to complement electric shuttles.

CIAL-BPCL Green Hydrogen Plant

CIAL also collaborates with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to own a 1,000 KW plant at an airport in Nedumbassery which is already approved to be supplied. 

It is projected to start its operations in the near future and generate as much as 200 kg of green hydrogen per day through the electrolysis process using solar energy that is available to fuel the buses and could soon serve the Water Metro services. 

By 100 percent, this hydrogen hub is the first hydrogen hub to be located next to the airport, which reduces logistics costs and emissions caused by diesel.

Preliminary Hydrogen Tests at CIAL

Tests started in 2025 with a 9-meter, 30+ seater prototype by EKA Mobility, KPIT Technologies, and BPCL - on display at the Global Hydrogen Summit in Kochi. 

The three-year Proof of Concept (PoC) fuel cell technology in intra-airport and short-haul routes proved successful and became the step towards expanding the fleet. 

Based on this, the net-zero targets in 2050 have CIAL, which is the first fully solar-powered airport in the world (50 MW capacity).

Also Read: Census 2027: Full List of 33 Questions for Phase I

The Hydrogen Valley Leadership in Kerala

The HVIC of Kerala focuses on the innovation of the whole state of Kochi, introducing hydrogen to transport, industry, and aviation - synthetic fuels and hydrogen electrolyser zones. 

It makes the state the green hydrogen pioneer in India, which brings investments into the country in the face of global demand. 

This achievement would be extended to other airports, and this will help India with its net-zero commitment by 2070.

Every bus will recover approximately 50 tonnes of CO2 annually and improve the air quality of 10 million people who will travel by the bus every year and generate green employment in the manufacturing and refueling sectors. 

It enhances the easiness of passengers by using zero-emission shuttles, which correlates with the SDGs on clean energy and climate action.

Also Read: Most Congested Cities 2026: Why Bengaluru and Delhi Rank at the Top