Indian Railways has launched India’s first indigenous hydrogen powered train, advancing clean mobility, reducing emissions and supporting the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
July 17, 2026. By EI News Network
India is set to enter the hydrogen rail era with the launch of its first indigenously developed hydrogen fuel cell powered train, marking a major milestone in the country’s clean mobility and railway decarbonisation efforts.
The 10 coach hydrogen powered train will begin operations on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway in Haryana. Developed as a pilot project by Indian Railways, the train has been designed entirely in India in line with technical specifications prepared by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), supporting the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and National Green Hydrogen Mission initiatives.
The train is powered by a 1,200 kW Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) propulsion system, which generates electricity onboard through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Unlike diesel locomotives, the process emits only water vapour and heat, making it a zero tailpipe emission transport solution.
The hydrogen train has an operational speed of 75 kmph, with a design speed of 110 kmph, and can accommodate around 2,600 passengers. It consists of two Hydrogen Driving Power Cars and eight trailer coaches, connecting Jind Junction and Sonipat via Gohana and several intermediate stations.
To support operations, Indian Railways has established the country’s largest railway hydrogen storage and refuelling facility at Jind, capable of storing nearly 3,000 kg of hydrogen. The facility has received approval from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) and has been designed according to international safety standards, including NFPA 2 and ISO 19880. Its safety systems have also been independently assessed by Germany based certification agency TÜV SÜD.
Each driving power car houses hydrogen fuel cells, lithium iron phosphate batteries and hydrogen storage cylinders. The refuelling facility includes hydrogen compression systems, standby compressors and technical support infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Indian Railways has also introduced extensive safety measures for the pilot project. Hydrogen leak detectors, flame detectors, automatic hydrogen shut off systems, continuous ventilation, real time system monitoring for loco pilots and dedicated emergency operating modes have been incorporated. The maintenance depot at Shakurbasti in Delhi has been upgraded, while trained personnel and technical staff will oversee operations during the initial phase.
The project is expected to provide valuable operational experience as India joins countries such as Germany, Japan, China and the United States in exploring hydrogen powered rail transport.
Beyond introducing a new train, the initiative is intended to validate hydrogen rail technology, establish operational standards and build the infrastructure and technical expertise required for wider deployment of hydrogen powered trains in the future. It also aligns with India’s broader objective of reducing carbon emissions and advancing sustainable transport under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
