Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, embarked on a journey to Prague in the Czech Republic to attend the 27th World Road Congress. During his visit, he made a significant statement by taking a test ride in a Skoda H’CITY hydrogen bus, underscoring the Indian government’s commitment to exploring sustainable and eco-friendly mobility solutions.
Hydrogen-powered buses hold substantial promise in the quest to reduce carbon emissions and address environmental concerns, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and greener future. The official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the Office of Nitin Gadkari shared a video of the minister riding in the hydrogen-powered bus, emphasizing the importance of this eco-friendly technology.
The Skoda H’CITY buses utilize polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells as their power source. These fuel cells facilitate reactions between hydrogen, stored in roof-mounted tanks, and oxygen to generate energy. The surplus energy is stored in batteries. This innovative propulsion system allows these buses to achieve an impressive driving range of approximately 350 kilometers on a single refueling.
India’s pursuit of cleaner and greener mobility options is commendable, and the minister’s ride in the hydrogen bus highlights the government’s determination to explore new avenues in sustainable transportation. While it remains to be seen if Indian manufacturers will introduce hydrogen-powered buses in the coming years, the government’s push for environmentally friendly solutions is undeniable.
It’s worth noting that several Indian states have already taken significant steps toward adopting fully-electric buses. Delhi, in particular, leads the way with over 800 electric buses currently in operation – the highest number in any Indian city. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced ambitious plans to increase this number to 1,900 electric buses by the end of the year, solidifying the city’s commitment to clean and green transportation.
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Nitin Gadkari’s experience in Prague serves as a symbol of India’s dedication to sustainable mobility and its ongoing efforts to explore innovative technologies that can contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more eco-conscious future for the nation.