The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) is set to launch a pioneering green public transport initiative. It plans to operate hydrogen fuel cell buses daily on the 200-kilometre route between Noida's Sector 35 and the Agra ISBT. This service will connect passengers via the upcoming Noida International Airport, offering a direct, low-emission link for tourists heading to the iconic Taj Mahal.
Project Details and Specifications
This initiative is part of a three-year pilot project involving three hydrogen-powered buses. According to officials, the deployment had faced initial delays in November 2025 due to unclear policies regarding drivers and conductors. However, YEIDA has now moved forward by initiating a process to appoint an operating agency.
As outlined in the request for proposal document, the buses and the hydrogen fuel will be supplied by the state-owned power giant, NTPC. The selected private operator will handle all day-to-day operations. This includes staffing with qualified drivers, conducting maintenance, cleaning, and general upkeep of the fleet.
Route, Fleet, and Operational Mandate
The buses will run along the Yamuna Expressway, a corridor developing rapidly with new industrial sectors, logistics hubs, and airport-linked infrastructure. Each bus in the fleet will be a 12-metre long, air-conditioned vehicle with a seating capacity for 40 passengers.
Technologically advanced, these buses boast an impressive operating range of approximately 600 kilometres on a single refill. Refuelling will be conducted at NTPC's NETRA research facility located in Greater Noida. To ensure rigorous service, YEIDA has set a demanding annual target of at least two lakh kilometres per bus, averaging 15,000 km monthly.
On a daily basis, the entire fleet is expected to cover around 500 km, which translates to a minimum of one-and-a-half trips per bus each day. The service framework allows for night operations, peak-hour services, and special runs as directed by the Authority, keeping the anticipated travel demand from the new airport in focus.
Technology, Monitoring, and Bidding Process
All buses will be equipped with GPS tracking systems and onboard passenger-count cameras for efficient monitoring and management. The operating agency will be required to maintain detailed logs of every trip, distances covered, and any incidents, submitting comprehensive monthly performance reports to YEIDA.
Drivers must hold valid heavy motor vehicle licences. To make the project financially viable for the operator, YEIDA has fixed a minimum assured revenue of Rs 58 per kilometre, with a provision for a 5% annual escalation. This revenue guarantee will be payable if the actual earnings fall short of this benchmark.
The operator will be selected through a two-stage bidding process, with the deadline for bid submission set for January 27. This project marks a significant step towards sustainable inter-city travel in the National Capital Region and a boost for green tourism connecting to one of India's most famous monuments.
