India has taken a major step towards clean mobility with the announcement of its first hydrogen highways. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, speaking at the World Hydrogen India event, unveiled trials of large-scale hydrogen trucks supported by Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Volvo, BPCL, IOCL, NTPC, and Reliance. A budget of ₹500 crore has been allocated for 37 vehicles across 10 major freight and industrial routes, with nine hydrogen refuelling stations planned to aid the ecosystem.

The project aims not only at decarbonizing transport but also at building the entire hydrogen value chain-production, storage, transport, and refuelling. By 2030, India targets producing 5 million tons of green hydrogen, creating 6 lakh jobs and cutting fossil fuel imports by ₹1 lakh crore annually. This could also prevent 3.6 gigatons of CO2 emissions by 2050.

Amitabh Kant added that green hydrogen will play a pivotal role in making India a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047, stressing its impact on exports, competitiveness, and climate leadership. With cheap renewable power and strong policy backing, India is set to lead the global hydrogen race.