Indian Railways has introduced its first indigenous hydrogen-powered train, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable rail transportation.
Developed under the Hydrogen for Heritage initiative, the train uses hydrogen fuel cell technology to generate electricity, producing water and heat as by-products. Indian Railways said the project is designed to demonstrate the feasibility of hydrogen-powered rail transport while reducing emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
The train will initially operate on the Jind-Sonipat section in Haryana, connecting Jind Junction and Sonipat via intermediate stations. It features a 1,200-horsepower hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system, has a maximum operational speed of 75 kmph with a top speed of 110 kmph, and can accommodate around 2,600 passengers.
To support the project, Indian Railways has established a dedicated hydrogen production, storage and refuelling facility at Jind, Haryana. The indigenous facility can store nearly 3,000 kg of hydrogen and includes hydrogen compressors, dispensers and a standby compression system to enable safe and uninterrupted refuelling operations.
The hydrogen-powered train also incorporates multiple safety systems, including hydrogen leak detectors, flame detectors, continuous monitoring systems and emergency safety mechanisms. Indian Railways said trained personnel and dedicated maintenance protocols will oversee operations during the initial deployment phase.
Officials say the project will help India gain operational experience with hydrogen-powered rail technology for infrastructure and technical expertise needed for wider adoption. As countries increasingly explore hydrogen-powered mobility, the initiative is expected to strengthen India’s push towards low-carbon and sustainable transportation.
