CIAL to Become India’s First Airport to Introduce Hydrogen-Powered Buses

Kochi: Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) is set to become the first airport in India to introduce hydrogen-powered buses into its transport system. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between CIAL and the Kerala Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster (K-HVIC) Foundation for this.

As part of the Kerala Hydrogen Valley project, and with the support of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, three hydrogen fuel cell electric buses will be introduced at the Kochi International Airport. The announcement was made by Minister for Industries P Rajeev through social media.

The buses are expected to be launched within a year. CIAL will decide the operational model and routes for the buses. Once implemented, the project is expected to significantly improve passenger transportation facilities at the airport and further promote the use of sustainable and environment-friendly transport systems.

Fuel supply for the buses will be ensured once the green hydrogen plant, constructed jointly by CIAL and BPCL, becomes operational. Minister P Rajeev also stated in his post that all necessary statutory approvals for the project have been obtained, and therefore the hydrogen supply project is expected to be implemented within the stipulated timeline.