New Delhi, July 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off India’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered passenger train, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable rail transportation. With the launch, India joins a select group of countries that have introduced hydrogen-powered rail technology as part of their low-carbon mobility strategy.
The indigenous train will operate on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway in Haryana as a pilot project to evaluate the operational viability of hydrogen-powered rail services under Indian conditions. Unlike conventional electric trains that rely on overhead power lines, the train generates electricity onboard through hydrogen fuel cells, producing only water vapour as the direct emission during operation.
Designed and developed in India under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the train consists of 10 coaches, including two Hydrogen Driving Power Cars (DPCs) and eight passenger trailer coaches. Each power car is equipped with a 1,200 kW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system, giving the train a combined power output of 2,400 kW, making it one of the world’s most powerful hydrogen-powered passenger trainsets in its category.
The train has a design speed of 110 kmph, although it has been approved to operate at a maximum speed of 75 kmph on the Jind-Sonipat route. It can accommodate around 2,600 passengers, making it substantially larger than most hydrogen passenger trains currently operating internationally, which typically comprise only two or three coaches for regional services.
The train is powered by hydrogen fuel cells that generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen stored in onboard cylinders and oxygen from the atmosphere. The propulsion system is supported by lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which help regulate power supply under varying operating conditions. As electricity is produced onboard, the train does not require external electric traction and emits only water vapour during operation, offering a cleaner alternative to diesel-powered trains.
To support operations, Indian Railways has established the country’s first integrated hydrogen railway ecosystem at Jind, including dedicated facilities for hydrogen storage, compression and refuelling. The project is expected to provide valuable operational data for evaluating the future deployment of hydrogen-powered trains, particularly on routes where conventional electrification may not be practical or economically viable.
Safety has been a key focus during the development of the train. The trainset is equipped with multiple safety systems capable of detecting hydrogen leaks, heat, flames and smoke. The project has been developed according to specifications prepared by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), with manufacturing undertaken by Indian Railways and domestic industry partners.
The launch comes as Indian Railways has already electrified more than 99 per cent of its Broad Gauge network, significantly reducing dependence on diesel traction. Officials view hydrogen technology as a complementary solution for specific routes while advancing India’s broader clean energy and net-zero ambitions.
The hydrogen train project forms part of India’s wider push to adopt green hydrogen across multiple sectors, including transport, industry and energy, while strengthening domestic capabilities in advanced clean technologies.
Key Specifications of India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train
- Train Configuration: A 10-coach hydrogen fuel cell-powered passenger train developed using indigenous technology.
- Propulsion System: Equipped with a 1,200 kW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system that generates electricity onboard.
- Speed: Designed for a maximum speed of 110 kmph, with an operational speed of 75 kmph on the Jind-Sonipat route.
- Passenger Capacity: Can accommodate approximately 2,600 passengers.
- Development: Designed, engineered and manufactured in India, from concept and prototype development to final production.
- Route: Operates on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway, connecting Jind Junction, Gohana Junction and Sonipat.
- Intermediate Stations: The train serves Jind City, Pandu Pindara Junction, Lalit Khera Halt, Bhambhewa, Isapur Kheri Halt, Butana Halt, Khandrai Halt, Rabrah Halt, Lath Halt, Mohana, Barwasni Halt, and Sonipat New.
