India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Passenger Train Signals New Era in Green Rail Transport

When Indian Railways launches the country’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train on the Jind-Sonipat section in Haryana, it will mark a major milestone in the evolution of rail transport, ushering in a new phase of clean-energy mobility after decades dominated by steam, diesel and electric traction.

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trainset has been designed to carry around 2,600 passengers across 10 coaches, making it not only India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train but also one of the largest of its kind in the world. While most hydrogen trains currently operating internationally have only two to four coaches and serve regional routes, Indian Railways is adapting the technology for high-capacity passenger services.

The project follows Indian Railways’ extensive electrification drive, which has covered more than 99 per cent of the country’s Broad Gauge network. The hydrogen-powered train is being positioned as the next step in reducing the railway’s carbon footprint.

How the train works

Unlike conventional electric trains that rely on overhead power lines, the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trainset generates electricity onboard using hydrogen.

Its propulsion system is based on a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell, where hydrogen stored in high-pressure cylinders reacts with oxygen from the atmosphere to produce electricity. The electricity powers the train’s traction motors, while the only by-products are water vapour and heat.

The train consists of two Hydrogen Driving Power Cars positioned at either end, with eight passenger coaches in between. Each power car generates 1,200 kilowatts (about 1,600 horsepower), enabling the train to reach a design speed of 110 kmph. It will initially operate at a maximum speed of 75 kmph on the 89-kilometre Jind-Sonipat route.

Supporting hydrogen infrastructure

Alongside the train, Indian Railways has established what it describes as the country’s largest railway hydrogen refuelling facility at Jind.

Hydrogen is produced through electrolysis, a process that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. The hydrogen is then stored in dedicated tanks before being compressed to 500 bar for storage.

During refuelling, hydrogen is dispensed into the train at 350 bar through two separate dispensers, allowing both power cars to be refuelled simultaneously and reducing turnaround time.

The facility has a storage capacity of nearly 3,000 kilograms of hydrogen to support regular operations and has received approval from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).

Multiple safety systems

Given hydrogen’s flammable nature, Indian Railways says the project has been built around multiple layers of safety following the internationally recognised “defence in depth” approach.

The train is fitted with hydrogen leak detectors, heat sensors, flame detectors and smoke detection systems that continuously monitor both the onboard equipment and refuelling infrastructure.

Continuous ventilation systems are designed to safely disperse any leaked hydrogen, while automatic shutdown mechanisms can isolate the hydrogen supply if abnormal conditions are detected.

The locomotive pilot’s cabin is equipped with real-time monitoring systems and emergency operating modes to ensure safe train movement if required.

Similar safeguards have been installed at the Jind hydrogen facility, including leak detection equipment, automatic shutdown systems, fire alarms and water spray systems for fire protection.

International testing and indigenous development

Before being cleared for passenger service, the hydrogen ecosystem underwent independent safety assessment by Germany’s TÜV SÜD and was developed in line with international standards, including NFPA-2 and the ISO 19880 series, while also meeting statutory requirements laid down by PESO.

The train also completed extensive testing covering electrical performance, radio-frequency compatibility, ride stability and emergency braking before receiving operational clearance.

The project has largely been developed using indigenous expertise. The Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) prepared the technical specifications and led the approval process, Medha Servo Drives integrated the trainset, and the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) contributed to its design.

Together with the hydrogen production and refuelling infrastructure at Jind, the initiative forms India’s first fully integrated hydrogen railway ecosystem.

India’s role in hydrogen rail technology

Hydrogen-powered passenger trains are still at an early stage globally. Germany was the first country to introduce commercial hydrogen trains, while France, Italy, China and Japan are running pilot projects or limited operations.

Most of those trains consist of only two to four coaches. By comparison, India’s 10-coach train demonstrates the potential for deploying hydrogen technology on higher-capacity passenger routes while simultaneously building the supporting infrastructure required for large-scale operations.

Looking ahead

Indian Railways views the Jind-Sonipat project as the beginning of a broader hydrogen programme rather than a standalone initiative.

The experience gained is expected to support the introduction of hydrogen-powered trains on additional routes, including heritage railways such as the Kalka-Shimla line.

The project also aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission and India’s long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions.

As Indian Railways expands beyond network electrification, the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trainset represents a significant step towards cleaner, more sustainable rail transport driven by indigenous technology and alternative energy.