The Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a proud subsidiary of the Ministry of Power’s Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), is taking a significant step forward in India’s journey towards cleaner transportation. After successfully rolling out over 33,000 electric buses across various states and cities, CESL is now shifting its focus to champion the adoption of hydrogen buses nationwide. This ambitious move is a core part of the government’s commitment to sustainable economic growth and impactful climate action.
Historically, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have been hesitant to invest heavily in hydrogen buses due to limited demand. CESL’s new strategy aims to overcome this challenge by consolidating national demand. Their plan involves fostering close collaboration between central and state government bodies, streamlining procurement processes across different agencies, and ultimately boosting confidence among vehicle manufacturers, financial institutions, and other industry partners.
According to A. Chandrasekhar Reddy, Adviser for Government Affairs and Media at EESL, numerous public sector undertakings (PSUs) and other government organizations have already shown keen interest in integrating hydrogen buses into their fleets. CESL has proactively reached out to both national and state-level agencies, inviting them to outline their specific requirements. Building on its proven track record with electric bus procurement, CESL is dedicated to supporting India’s clean mobility goals and cultivating a robust hydrogen energy ecosystem.
CESL has been officially appointed by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Ministry of Heavy Industries, and Ministry of External Affairs as the central agency for aggregating demand, conducting tenders, and overseeing the deployment of electric buses under major government initiatives. Now, this expertise is being extended to hydrogen.
Key towns and cities in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, including Hyderabad, Warangal, Mahabubnagar, Khammam, Tirupati, Visakhapatnam, and Vijayawada, are receiving crucial support to accelerate their adoption of hydrogen-powered buses, marking a pivotal moment for green public transport in these regions.