Delhi Metro Launches Hydrogen-Powered Shuttle Bus Service in Central Vista

The initiative marks a significant step towards promoting clean, sustainable, and efficient urban mobility in the national capital. The new shuttle service is aimed at improving last-mile connectivity between the Central Secretariat Metro Station and Seva Teerth Metro Station while reducing dependence on private vehicles in the Central Vista region.

Hydrogen Buses Introduced for Green Public Transport

Under the project, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has provided two hydrogen-fuelled buses to DMRC. Each bus has a seating capacity of 35 passengers and is equipped with GPS-based tracking systems and CCTV cameras to ensure passenger safety, punctuality, and route monitoring.

The buses are designed to support the government’s broader push towards green mobility and adoption of clean energy solutions in public transportation.

Service Timings and Route Details

The hydrogen-powered shuttle service will operate on all working days from Monday to Friday, excluding gazetted holidays.

The buses will run during peak office hours in two shifts from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM in the morning and from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM in the afternoon.

One bus will operate in a clockwise direction while the second will move in an anti-clockwise direction with a frequency of one bus every 30 minutes.

The route will cover several important government offices and landmarks across the Central Vista region, including Kartavya Bhawan, Vigyan Bhawan, Nirman Bhawan, Baroda House, National Stadium, National Gallery of Modern Art and India Gate.

Affordable Ticketing and Passenger Facilities

Passengers can pay fares through multiple modes including the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), UPI, and cash payments.

The ticket pricing has been kept affordable with stage-wise fares of Rs 10 and Rs 15 to encourage wider public usage.

DMRC will manage bus operations, conductors, ticketing, and passenger support services, while IOCL will provide drivers and hydrogen fuel support for the buses.

Government Push for Sustainable Mobility

The launch of the hydrogen-powered shuttle service highlights the Government of India’s focus on sustainable public transport infrastructure and clean energy adoption.

Officials believe the project could become a model for future hydrogen-based transport systems across India as cities look for cleaner alternatives to conventional fuel-powered public transport.

The inaugural buses were flagged off from the Central Secretariat Metro Station at 8:30 AM on Thursday. During the launch ceremony, ceremonial keys of the buses were handed over to DMRC Director (Operations and Services) Amit Kumar Jain by IOCL Director (Refinery) Arvind Kumar in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.