Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) is set to create a national first. It will introduce hydrogen-powered buses for passenger movement at the airport. The move marks a major step towards clean and green mobility in the aviation sector.
CIAL announced the decision on Monday. The airport said the project will reduce emissions while improving passenger transport services.
Agreement Signed To Start The Project
The project follows the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Kerala Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster Foundation and CIAL. The two sides exchanged the agreement on February 1.
According to a CIAL release, the agreement allows the airport to procure and operate three hydrogen fuel cell electric buses.
The formal exchange took place at a function held at the 0484 Aero Lounge at Kochi airport.
Ministers Represent Both Sides
Kerala Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty represented the Kerala HVIC Foundation at the event. He also serves as the chairman of ANERT.
Industries Minister P Rajeev signed the agreement on behalf of CIAL. He is also a director of the airport company.
Senior officials from the State and Central governments attended the function.
Part Of National Green Hydrogen Mission
The project forms part of the Kerala Hydrogen Valley initiative. This initiative operates under the National Green Hydrogen Mission of the Government of India.
Through this programme, Kerala aims to promote hydrogen-based technologies and clean energy solutions across sectors.
Funding And Project Cost Details
Under the agreement, the Kerala HVIC Foundation will provide financial support for purchasing the buses. The funding is capped at ₹2.90 crore per bus.
The total cost of the project stands at ₹8.7 crore. Authorities will release the funds in stages as the project progresses.
Timeline And Ownership Of Buses
CIAL expects to complete the procurement of the hydrogen buses within 12 months. Once the buses arrive, ownership will rest with the airport company.
After that, CIAL will take full responsibility for operations.
CIAL To Manage Operations
CIAL will handle all operational and statutory expenses related to the buses. It will also decide the routes and the operating model for the new service.
The airport aims to use the buses to improve passenger convenience while lowering pollution from internal transport.
Green Hydrogen Supply Already Planned
Fuel for the buses will come from a green hydrogen plant. CIAL and BPCL are jointly developing this facility. Officials said the plant will begin operations soon.
Statutory approvals for the hydrogen supply infrastructure are already in place. As a result, the project can move ahead without delay.
Officials See Early Rollout
Several senior officials attended the event. These included CIAL Managing Director S Suhas, Kerala HVIC Foundation Chairman and Managing Director Harshil R Meena, and Dr Ranjith Krishna Pai, Senior Director and Scientist at the Department of Science and Technology.
CIAL said the initiative will significantly cut emissions from airport transport operations. Officials added that the project places Kochi airport at the forefront of India’s clean energy transition in aviation-linked transport.