India’s First Hydrogen Train Hits the Tracks
- pradeep
- 21 hours ago
- 2 min read
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train from Jind railway station in Haryana, marking a major milestone in the country’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable rail transport.
The indigenously developed train will operate on the 89-kilometre Jind–Sonipat route under the Northern Railway. Its launch places India among a select group of countries operating hydrogen-powered railway technology. (Press Information Bureau)
Built with Indigenous Technology
The hydrogen train has been designed, engineered and integrated in India based on technical specifications prepared by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation.
The 10-coach trainset is powered by a hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion system and can accommodate approximately 2,600 passengers. It has an approved operational speed of 75 kmph and a design speed of up to 110 kmph. (Press Information Bureau)
The Prime Minister’s Office described it as one of the world’s longest and most powerful hydrogen-powered passenger trains. (Press Information Bureau)
How Does the Hydrogen Train Work?
The train uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity onboard. Hydrogen reacts with oxygen inside the fuel-cell system, producing electricity to power the train.
Unlike conventional diesel trains, the process releases primarily water vapour and heat, significantly reducing harmful emissions during operation. (Press Information Bureau)
The project also includes dedicated infrastructure for hydrogen production, storage and refuelling at Jind.
Jind–Sonipat Route
The train will connect Jind Junction, Gohana Junction and Sonipat, along with several intermediate stations on the route.
The service is being introduced as a pilot project to evaluate the operational, technical and commercial feasibility of hydrogen-powered trains under Indian conditions. The experience gained from the route could help Indian Railways consider similar trains for other non-electrified and heritage routes in the future. (Press Information Bureau)
Push for Greener Railways
The launch is part of Indian Railways’ broader effort to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and introduce alternative-energy technologies.
Hydrogen-powered trains are particularly suitable for railway routes where full electrification may be difficult or expensive. The technology can potentially replace diesel trains while reducing local air pollution and carbon emissions.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said India has retained intellectual-property rights over the indigenous hydrogen-train technology, opening possibilities for further domestic manufacturing and future exports. (Telangana Today)
India Joins Global Hydrogen Rail Club
Countries including Germany, China, Japan and the United States have been experimenting with or operating hydrogen-powered rail systems.
With the launch of its first hydrogen train, India has entered this emerging global clean-transport sector while showcasing its domestic railway engineering capabilities. (Press Information Bureau)
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