HomeIndia NewsIndia’s first hydrogen train set for rollout; Haryana corridor chosen for pilot
Indian Railways has built a dedicated hydrogen storage and refuelling facility at Jind as it prepares to test the country’s first fuel cell-powered train, a move aimed at advancing cleaner and more sustainable rail transport.
India is set to roll out its first indigenous hydrogen-powered train, with the Jind–Sonipat section in Haryana selected as the pilot corridor for the project, marking a significant step in Indian Railways’ push towards cleaner and more energy-efficient transport.
The hydrogen train will operate using hydrogen fuel cell technology, which generates electricity through a chemical reaction involving hydrogen. Unlike conventional diesel-powered systems, the technology produces only water vapour as an emission, positioning it as a cleaner alternative for rail transportation.
The train will be a 10-coach trainset powered by a 1,200 KW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system. It is designed to operate at a maximum speed of 75 kilometres per hour.
The project places India among a small group of countries, including Germany, Japan, China and the United States, that are exploring hydrogen-powered rail systems as part of wider efforts to develop greener transport solutions.
Indian Railways has also prioritised safety as part of the rollout. An indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has already been established at Jind in Haryana to support operations.
The facility is equipped with hydrogen leak detectors, flame detection systems, round-the-clock monitoring infrastructure and inspection protocols. Railway authorities have also deployed trained personnel to manage operations and ensure adherence to safety procedures.
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During the initial phase of operations, trained technical staff will travel onboard the train to monitor performance and address any operational issues.
The hydrogen train project forms part of Indian Railways’ broader strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and build a cleaner, more sustainable transport network as India advances its green mobility ambitions.
(Edited by : Ajay Vaishnav)