NTPC Invites Bids For Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses Under Bhubaneswar Green Mobility Project

NTPC Limited has invited online bids for the procurement of three hydrogen fuel cell buses as part of its Green Hydrogen Mobility Project in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The tender, issued under Bid Document No. GEM/2026/B/7445119, will be conducted through the Government e-Marketplace portal using a single-stage, two-envelope bidding process.

The project focuses not only on the supply of the hydrogen-powered buses but also on their long-term maintenance. The selected bidder will be responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of these advanced vehicles over an extended period. This initiative reflects NTPC’s growing interest in promoting clean mobility solutions and supporting India’s transition towards green hydrogen-based transportation.

In line with the government’s “Make in India” policy, the tender is open only to Class-I and Class-II local suppliers. Non-local suppliers are not eligible to participate in the bidding process. Additionally, preference will be given to Class-I local suppliers during the evaluation stage, encouraging domestic manufacturing and innovation in hydrogen fuel technologies.

To ensure capability and reliability, NTPC has set strict eligibility criteria for bidders. From a technical perspective, bidders must either be manufacturers or authorized representatives with prior experience in testing, certification, or trial operations of at least one hydrogen fuel cell bus. Financially, bidders are required to have an average annual turnover of at least ₹7 crore over the last three financial years. They must also maintain a net worth that is not less than 100 percent of their paid-up share capital as of the last financial year.

The tender also includes important financial requirements. Bidders must submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of ₹20 lakh, although exemptions are available for Micro and Small Enterprises registered under UDYAM. The successful bidder will need to provide a Performance Bank Guarantee equivalent to 5 percent of the total contract value, covering both supply and a 10-year operation and maintenance period.

As per the project schedule, the first hydrogen fuel cell bus must be delivered within five months from the issuance of the Letter of Award. The remaining two buses are to be supplied within the next two months. The contract includes a comprehensive maintenance period of 10 years from the date of commercial operation.

All key bid submission dates will be managed through the GeM portal. However, bidders must ensure that physical documents such as the EMD and Power of Attorney reach the NTPC office in Greater Noida before the submission deadline. Any failure to comply with these requirements may lead to disqualification from the bidding process.