India is set to enter the small group of countries running hydrogen-powered passenger trains, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to launch the country’s first hydrogen fuel cell train on Haryana’s Jind-Sonepat section on Friday.
The 10-coach train, capable of carrying about 2,600 passengers, is among the largest hydrogen-powered passenger train sets developed globally. Unlike traditional electric trains that rely on overhead power lines or diesel locomotives, they generate their own electricity on board using hydrogen fuel cells, producing only water vapor and heat as direct emissions, the PIB press release said.
The project marks another milestone in Indian Railways’ clean energy journey after the national transporter electrified more than 99 per cent of its broad gauge network, significantly reducing dependence on diesel.
Read also: HT explained | India’s first hydrogen train: Everything you need to know
Route details
The hydrogen fuel cell train will initially run on the Jind-Sonepat section of the Northern Railway, connecting Jind Junction, Gohana Junction and Sonipat while serving intermediate stations and proposed halts including Jind City, Bandu Pindara Junction, Lalit Khera Halt, Bhambhawa, Izhapur Khiri Halt, Bhutan Halt, Khandrai Halt, Rabra Halt, Lath Halt, Mohana, Parwasni Halt, And Sonipat. new.
The route was chosen to demonstrate the operational feasibility, safety and reliability of hydrogen-powered passenger train services under normal operating conditions.
Training on working on hydrogen fuel cells
The train is powered by a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell system. Hydrogen stored in high-pressure cylinders reacts with oxygen in the atmosphere to generate electricity, which powers traction motors.
The train consists of two hydrogen-powered cars, one at each end, and eight passenger coaches. Each car produces 1,200 kilowatts (about 1,600 horsepower), giving the train a design speed of 110 kilometers per hour. However, during the trial phase, it will operate at a speed of up to 75 kilometers per hour on the 89-km-long Jind-Sonepat route under the Northern Railway.
To support operations, Indian Railways has built the country’s largest railway hydrogen refueling facility at Jind in Haryana.
The plant produces hydrogen through electrolysis, compresses it to 500 bar and distributes it at 350 bar, allowing both cars to be fueled simultaneously. The facility can store approximately 3,000 kg of hydrogen, enough to support regular train services.
The project has created India’s first integrated railway hydrogen ecosystem, covering hydrogen production, storage, compression, distribution and train operations, officials said.
Larger than most hydrogen trains abroad
Hydrogen-powered trains are already in service or undergoing trials in countries such as Germany, France, Italy, China and Japan. However, most of these trains consist of only two to four coaches and primarily serve regional routes.
The Indian Railways said its 10-coach train represents one of the largest sets of hydrogen-powered passenger trains in the world, demonstrating the feasibility of using hydrogen technology for high-capacity passenger operations.
Built in India
The hydrogen train has been developed using indigenous technology under the leadership of Indian Railways.
The Research Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO) led the technical design and approval process, Medha Servo Drives integrated the train set, while Integral Coach Factory (ICF) designed the exterior of the train.
The Jind-Sonipat service will initially operate as a pilot project. The Indian Railways is also exploring the possibility of deploying hydrogen-powered trains on heritage routes, including the Kalka-Shimla railway line, as part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission and India’s long-term net-zero carbon goals.
