With global leaders convening in Baku for COP29, discussions on climate finance and strategies to fund green projects in developing and least-developed nations have taken centre stage. Amidst these global negotiations, India is making strides of its own.

Last year, on a crisp morning in Faridabad, a hydrogen fuel cell bus quietly began its pilot run, emitting nothing but water vapour. This marked a significant step in India's quest for cleaner energy in transportation—a sector long dominated by diesel and petrol vehicles that have contributed heavily to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. As India transitions towards greener alternatives, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and hydrogen are emerging as vital players in shaping a sustainable future for its transportation ecosystem.

India, one of the world's largest and fastest-growing economies, relies heavily on transportation to fuel its growth. However, this sector is also one of the largest contributors to air pollution, accounting for nearly 13% of the country's total CO₂ emissions, according to the International Council on Clean Transportation. With the government's ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, the push for greener fuels like LNG and hydrogen is no longer just an environmental necessity but a strategic imperative.

While electric vehicles dominate discussions on sustainable mobility, LNG and hydrogen provide complementary solutions, especially for medium and heavy-duty vehicles where electrification faces challenges such as limited battery range and payload constraints. LNG, for instance, is gaining traction due to its cleaner burning properties and high energy density. Unlike diesel, LNG produces significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions and particulate matter, making it a cost-effective option for long-haul trucking. Companies like Petronet LNG........

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