LEH: Administrative Secretary of the Transport Department, UT Ladakh Amit Sharma chaired a significant meeting towards the realization of a zero-emission hydrogen mobility project in Leh and deliberations on the proposal for the operationalization of five Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses to run with water conversion into fuel technology and the finalization of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd. and the Transport Department, UT Ladakh through a Hybrid Meeting held at Conference Hall, Secretariat, Leh today.

A comprehensive presentation was given to the Transport Secretary Amit Sharma by NTPC team to share the course of hydrogen-based projects in Ladakh, providing crucial insights into the timelines for the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell buses in the region and these five buses to run on water conversion into fuel technology which shall be first in the nation.

Discussion between Transport Secretary Amit Sharma and NTPC team flourished around the outlines of the proposed MoU, underscoring the collaborative efforts between the UT Ladakh Transport Department and NTPC.

The meeting explored the earliest availability of buses, optimal routes for deployment, oxygen bottling facilitated by NTPC through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives for tourists coming in Ladakh, solar plant integration and tariff considerations.

Administrative Secretary Amit Sharma stated the initiative marks a decisive step towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions in Leh and shall be a trend-setter in the entire nation to follow suit.

Through collaborative efforts and innovative strategies, we aim to usher in a new era of mobility while mitigating environmental impact, he added.

Amit further elaborated that emission of these hydrogen cell fuelled buses shall be water vapour which perfectly aligns with vision of Prime Minister who envisions to see Ladakh as first fully Carbon Neutral State/UT of Bharat.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on key action points, reinforcing the commitment of NTPC and the Transport Department towards the successful implementation of the zero-emission hydrogen mobility project in Leh.

The meeting was attended by Skeikh Nazir, Regional Transport Officer, Ladakh and other concerned officials, while Assistant Regional Transport Officer, Leh, Under Secretary to the Administrative Secretary, Traffic Manager, SIDCO and the representatives from NTPC joined virtually.