New Delhi, July 25: India’s first hydrogen-powered train has covered more than 1,200 kilometres since its launch, replacing the use of over 3,200 litres of diesel, the government said on Saturday, highlighting a major milestone in the country’s push towards zero-emission rail transport.
The train was flagged off on July 17 between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana and has completed its initial runs without any operational issues, according to the Ministry of Railways.
Powered by hydrogen fuel cells, the train generates electricity onboard through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapour as its emission and eliminating smoke and tailpipe carbon emissions.
Developed indigenously by Indian Railways, the 10-coach train is equipped with two hydrogen driving power cars generating a combined 2,400 kW of power. The system is supported by lithium iron phosphate batteries and hydrogen cylinders.
The project also includes Indian Railways’ first dedicated hydrogen storage facility at Jind, capable of storing around 3,000 kg of green hydrogen at pressures of up to 500 bar, with dispensing at 350 bar.
Railways said the train is fitted with multiple safety mechanisms, including leak, heat, flame and smoke detection systems, automatic shut-off features, continuous ventilation and safety validation in line with international standards.
Following the successful Jind-Sonipat operations, trials of the hydrogen train on the Delhi route will begin shortly, the ministry said.
The government said the project establishes an indigenous hydrogen rail ecosystem and reflects India’s commitment to sustainable, zero-emission rail mobility while laying the foundation for wider deployment of hydrogen-powered trains in the future.
