India’s first hydrogen train gets green signal: Check route, speed and how it works

In a significant move toward cleaner and sustainable transportation, the Ministry of Railways has approved the country's first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell-powered local train, marking a major milestone for Indian Railways’ green mobility ambitions. The 10-coach train is set to begin operations soon on the Jind-Sonipat section under Northern Railway in Haryana.

How fast will India’s first hydrogen train run?

The hydrogen-powered trainset will operate with a 1200 KW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system and can run at a maximum speed of 75 kmph. With this development, India joins a select group of countries, including Germany, Japan, China, and the United States, that are exploring hydrogen fuel technology for rail transport.

"In a major step towards green and sustainable transportation, Indian Railways has approved the introduction of a 10-car Hydrogen Fuel Cell-based trainset on the dedicated Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway. The trainset is all set to start soon and will operate at a maximum speed of 75 kmph, powered by a 1200 KW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system," the official release by the Ministry of Railways read.

"With this initiative, India joins a select group of countries such as Germany, Japan, China and the United States that are exploring the use of hydrogen for cleaner rail transportation," it added.

How does a hydrogen train work?

Hydrogen fuel cell technology produces electricity through a chemical reaction involving hydrogen and oxygen, with water vapour being the only by-product. This makes it a cleaner alternative to conventional diesel-powered rail systems and aligns with India's broader environmental goals.

Jind-Sonipat selected as pilot route

Jind-Sonipat is selected to be the pilot corridor of this project, and there is now an installation set up for storing and dispensing hydrogen at Jind. Permission from the Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has been taken for this purpose for the safe handling of compressed hydrogen.

Refuelling infrastructure and technical support

The following measures have been provided to assist with the operational process, including hydrogen compressors, which will be used during the refuelling phase, as well as important technical infrastructure and spare parts to maintain smooth functioning at all times. A standby compressor unit is also being arranged as an additional safety measure.

Safety measures and monitoring systems

Railway authorities have incorporated multiple safety mechanisms into the project. Hydrogen leak detectors, flame sensors, and regular inspection protocols will be used to ensure safe operations. Maintenance manuals for both the hydrogen trainset and the hydrogen plant, approved by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), have also been prepared.

Operational guidelines and staff deployment

The project also involves detailed operational rules including around-the-clock monitoring of the hydrogen fueling system, training and certification of personnel, and periodic safety audits. For the early stage of the project’s operations, there would be a team of technical personnel who will go along with the train for monitoring purposes.

Supporting India’s net-zero vision

The hydrogen train initiative exemplifies the Indian Railway’s focus on innovation, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation systems. It will also help India to achieve its goals of clean energy and zero net carbon emissions.

"The project reflects Indian Railways' broader commitment to innovation, energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable transportation and supports India's national clean energy and net-zero carbon emission goals," the release concluded.