India’s First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses Launched by NTPC at World’s Highest Altitude in Leh
Leh, June 18, 2025: In a historic milestone for India’s green mobility initiative, NTPC Limited has delivered five hydrogen fuel cell buses to the Sindhu Infrastructure Development Corporation (SIDCO) in Leh. This marks the country’s first-ever commercial deployment of hydrogen-powered buses. Operated at an altitude of 11,562 feet, this initiative sets a global record for hydrogen fuel cell operations at the world’s highest point.
The rollout is part of NTPC’s Green Hydrogen Mobility Project in Leh, a pioneering program designed to promote clean transportation in India’s high-altitude regions. In November 2024, the project also celebrated the inauguration of the world’s first high-altitude hydrogen fueling station, which is located alongside a 1.7 MW solar plant, ensuring that the buses run on 100% renewable energy.
Engineered to withstand sub-zero temperatures and low oxygen levels, these hydrogen fuel cell buses are powered through India’s first high-pressure (350 bar) hydrogen dispensing system. This advanced system not only ensures operational efficiency in extreme weather conditions but also serves as a model for future clean mobility initiatives in challenging terrains.
The project is expected to have a significant environmental impact, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 350 metric tonnes annually. Additionally, the hydrogen production process is projected to generate 230 metric tonnes of pure oxygen each year, which is equivalent to the environmental benefits of planting 13,000 trees.
Senior officials, including the Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, praised NTPC for this breakthrough and emphasized the importance of replicating similar hydrogen-based solutions across the region. They highlighted how such innovations can support Ladakh’s ambitious goal of becoming a carbon-neutral union territory.
NTPC was encouraged to document the project’s learnings and technical insights to aid future clean energy ventures in other remote or extreme locations. The successful deployment in Leh not only sets a precedent for India but also places the country on the global map for high-altitude clean energy mobility.
This pioneering initiative underscores India’s growing leadership in sustainable innovation and reinforces the central government’s vision of achieving a greener, cleaner future.
