In a latest development in the field to support alternate propulsion technologies, the Central Government has notified new standards for safety evaluation of vehicles being propelled by Hydrogen Fuel cells, through an amendment to Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989.

According to a Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notification, this has been issued in view of promoting the vehicles propelled by hydrogen. The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari tweeted that, “This would facilitate the promotion of Hydrogen Fuel Cell based vehicles in the country which are futuristic, energy efficient and environment friendly, while being compliant to international standards."

A statement from the Ministry highlighted that prospective manufacturers and suppliers of Hydrogen vehicles have the standards available for the testing of such vehicles. These standards are also at par with available international standards.