India’s first hydrogen train has been notified by Indian Railways. The new hydrogen-powered train is expected to be flagged off by PM Narendra Modi on July 17. He will also unveil a series of other infrastructure projects across Haryana, state minister Krishan Kumar Bedi said on Thursday.The government says that project underscores Indian Railways’ wider focus on technological innovation, improved energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable transportation, while supporting India’s national objectives on clean energy and achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
India’s first hydrogen train: Route, speed
Indian Railways has cleared the introduction of a 10-coach Hydrogen Fuel Cell-based trainset for the dedicated Jind-Sonipat section under Northern Railway. The train is expected to begin operations soon and will have a maximum operating speed of 75 kmph, powered by a 1,200 KW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system.The train has been fully designed and developed in India. Built on a Broad Gauge platform, it is currently the world’s longest hydrogen-powered train with 10 coaches.The Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana has been chosen as the pilot corridor for the project. To support operations, an indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has been established at Jind. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has issued the necessary licence for the storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas at the facility.The refuelling infrastructure includes a hydrogen compression system, along with essential technical support and critical spare components to ensure dependable and fail-safe operations. A standby compressor unit is also being provided. Safety measures include the installation of hydrogen leak detectors, flame detectors and other monitoring sensors across the hydrogen production, storage and dispensing facility. These systems will undergo regular inspection and cleaning to prevent dust accumulation and maintain safe operations.
How does hydrogen train technology work?
Hydrogen fuel cell technology produces electricity through a chemical reaction involving hydrogen, with water vapour as the only by-product. This makes it a cleaner alternative to conventional traction systems that rely on fossil fuels. Around the world, hydrogen-powered rail transport is increasingly being viewed as a viable option for sustainable mobility. With this initiative, India will not become part of a select group of countries, including Germany, Japan, China and the United States, that are pursuing hydrogen-based rail transportation.
