Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday said Tata Motors is planning to set up a hydrogen-powered bus manufacturing project in Nagpur, a move that could further establish the city as a major hub for green mobility and sustainable transport.
Speaking at the gratitude ceremony of Advantage Vidarbha 2026, organised by the Association for Industrial Development (AID), Gadkari said discussions are underway to identify suitable land for the proposed facility.
“Tata Motors has shown keen interest in establishing a hydrogen bus project in Nagpur. We are currently exploring land options for the proposed plant,” he said.
According to Gadkari, the proposed project will complement Tata Motors’ plans to expand electric vehicle infrastructure in the city, including the development of fast-charging stations, creating a robust ecosystem for clean mobility solutions.
Highlighting Nagpur’s growing industrial potential, Gadkari said the city should aim to host more than 40 national-level business conventions every year. Industry-specific conferences focusing on sectors such as cement, plastics, manufacturing, logistics and emerging technologies would attract entrepreneurs, investors and experts, boosting investment and employment in the region, he added.
The Union Minister also outlined the Centre’s strategy to utilise Vidarbha’s vast coal reserves through coal gasification technology. He said the initiative would help reduce India’s dependence on imported fossil fuels while producing cleaner fuel alternatives domestically.
Gadkari noted that Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) is currently permitted to mine only up to a depth of 500 metres, leaving significant reserves untapped. Since much of the available coal is of lower grade, coal gasification offers a more efficient and value-added solution, he said.
He announced that three major coal gasification projects have been proposed in Vidarbha. The projects are expected to enable the extraction of Coal Bed Methane (CBM) from coalfields in Chandrapur and Gadchiroli, with the gas to be processed into compressed natural gas (CNG) for commercial use.
On the infrastructure front, Gadkari said he has sanctioned an additional Rs 450 crore for the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to improve road and flyover connectivity to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur. The funding is aimed at easing traffic congestion and supporting the city’s future expansion.
He also announced plans to promote eco-friendly tourism across Vidarbha’s tiger reserves by replacing conventional safari vehicles with electric vehicles. The proposal is being finalised jointly by the district administration and the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
“The first order for 300 electric vehicle chassis is under consideration, with two leading automobile manufacturers in the race for the project,” Gadkari said.
Emphasising innovation, clean energy and industrial growth, the Union Minister said these initiatives would position Nagpur and the Vidarbha region as a leading centre for green technology while generating fresh investment, employment opportunities and sustainable economic development.
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