Pralhad Joshi, Nitin Gadkari Take Ride in Hydrogen Car

07 Jan 2026 CW Team

The ministers travelled in the Toyota Mirai, a hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicle, with Joshi himself driving the car from Bharat Mandapam to the residence of Gadkari. The demonstration was aimed at highlighting the viability of hydrogen-based mobility as a key component of India’s transition towards low-carbon and sustainable transport systems.

The Toyota Mirai is a second-generation hydrogen FCEV that generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The only by-product of this process is water vapour, making it a zero-emission vehicle with no tailpipe pollutants. With a driving range of around 650 km on a full tank and a refuelling time of less than five minutes, the Mirai is considered one of the most advanced hydrogen-powered passenger vehicles globally.

Officials said the demonstration aligns with the government’s broader efforts to build a green hydrogen ecosystem, covering production, storage, transportation and end-use applications. Hydrogen-based mobility is being positioned as a complementary solution to battery electric vehicles, particularly for long-range and heavy-duty transport segments where quick refuelling and extended range are critical.

The joint ride by the two ministers also reflects inter-ministerial coordination to promote clean energy adoption across sectors. While the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is leading efforts on green hydrogen production, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is working on enabling infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to support alternative fuel vehicles.

The initiative is expected to raise awareness about hydrogen fuel cell technology and encourage greater industry participation, innovation and investment in clean mobility solutions, supporting India’s climate commitments and long-term energy transition goals.

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari took a joint ride in a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), underscoring the government’s commitment to promoting green hydrogen and clean mobility solutions in India.The ministers travelled in the Toyota Mirai, a hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicle, with Joshi himself driving the car from Bharat Mandapam to the residence of Gadkari. The demonstration was aimed at highlighting the viability of hydrogen-based mobility as a key component of India’s transition towards low-carbon and sustainable transport systems.The Toyota Mirai is a second-generation hydrogen FCEV that generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The only by-product of this process is water vapour, making it a zero-emission vehicle with no tailpipe pollutants. With a driving range of around 650 km on a full tank and a refuelling time of less than five minutes, the Mirai is considered one of the most advanced hydrogen-powered passenger vehicles globally.Officials said the demonstration aligns with the government’s broader efforts to build a green hydrogen ecosystem, covering production, storage, transportation and end-use applications. Hydrogen-based mobility is being positioned as a complementary solution to battery electric vehicles, particularly for long-range and heavy-duty transport segments where quick refuelling and extended range are critical.The joint ride by the two ministers also reflects inter-ministerial coordination to promote clean energy adoption across sectors. While the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is leading efforts on green hydrogen production, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is working on enabling infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to support alternative fuel vehicles.The initiative is expected to raise awareness about hydrogen fuel cell technology and encourage greater industry participation, innovation and investment in clean mobility solutions, supporting India’s climate commitments and long-term energy transition goals.

Infrastructure Urban

10 Mar 2026

ABB to Invest Rs 6.25 Billion to Expand India Manufacturing

ABB recently announced plans to invest approximately Rs 6.25 billion ($75 million) in India during 2026 to expand its manufacturing footprint and research and development capabilities. The investment follows more than $35 million spent in 2025 and reflects the company’s continued focus on strengthening its ‘local-for-local’ strategy in the country.The investment will support ABB’s Electrification, Motion and Automation businesses and expand manufacturing capacity for infrastructure sectors such as renewable energy, metro rail, data centres and industrial applications. Approximately 300..

Equipment

10 Mar 2026

Six WOLFF Cranes Handle 60,000 m³ Concrete for German Hospital

Six WOLFF tower cranes are playing a key role in constructing a new hospital complex in Memmingen, Germany, supporting large-scale material handling for the project. The facility is being built on a 7.7-hectare site and will feature six floors, around 480 beds and a gross floor area exceeding 75,000 sq m.Building shell works began recently in February 2025. One WOLFF 6531.12 Cross crane supported early site preparation before being dismantled in autumn 2025, while five remaining cranes continue operations. Over an average deployment period of 16 months, the cranes are expected to move approxim..

Equipment

10 Mar 2026

REC Funds Rs 115.6 Million CSR Support for Bihar Eye Hospital

REC recently committed Rs 115.6 million under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme for the procurement of clinical and non-clinical equipment at Sankara Eye Hospital in Saharsa, Bihar. The initiative aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to specialised eye care services in the region.A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was recently signed between Pradeep Fellows, Executive Director (CSR), REC Limited, and Wg Cdr V. Shankar (Retd), Trustee and Executive Director of Sankara Eye Hospital, at the REC office in the SCOPE Complex, New Delhi.The support is expecte..