Railway Ministry approves launch of India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train on Jind–Sonipat Route

The upcoming train is expected to commence operations shortly and will run at a maximum speed of 75 kmph. Equipped with a 1,200-kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system, the train will operate using Distributed Power Rolling Stock (DPRS) technology, where traction power is distributed throughout the trainset rather than being concentrated in a single locomotive. This configuration is expected to improve operational efficiency, reliability, and energy utilization.

The project represents a significant step in Indian Railways’ broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and adopt alternative energy technologies. Unlike conventional diesel-powered trains, hydrogen-powered trains generate electricity through fuel cells that combine hydrogen with oxygen, producing only water vapour and heat as by-products. As a result, the technology offers a zero-emission alternative for rail transportation while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Hydrogen fuel cells work by converting chemical energy directly into electrical energy through an electrochemical process. Hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell reacts at the anode, where a catalyst separates hydrogen molecules into protons and electrons. The electrons travel through an external circuit, generating electricity, while the protons pass through an electrolyte to the cathode. There, they combine with oxygen and electrons to produce water and heat. This process enables fuel cells to achieve higher efficiencies than conventional combustion engines while producing no harmful emissions.

Globally, hydrogen-powered rail systems are increasingly being viewed as an important solution for decarbonising railway networks, particularly on non-electrified routes. However, the technology remains in its early stages of adoption, with only a limited number of countries currently operating or testing hydrogen trains. With the launch of the Jind–Sonipat service, India joins nations such as Germany, Japan, China, and the United States that are actively exploring hydrogen-based rail mobility solutions.

To support the project, Indian Railways has established an indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility at Jind, Haryana. The facility has received the necessary approvals from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), which has granted the required licence for the storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas.

The Jind–Sonipat section has been selected as the pilot route for hydrogen train operations, providing Indian Railways with an opportunity to evaluate the technology under real-world operating conditions before considering wider deployment across the network.

The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s broader sustainability goals and the national commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions. It also supports the vision of developing indigenous capabilities in advanced railway technologies under the Atmanirbhar Bharat programme.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said:

“The introduction of India’s first hydrogen-powered train is a landmark achievement for the country's railway sector and clean mobility ambitions. Hydrogen technology has the potential to transform rail transportation by offering a sustainable, zero-emission alternative for future operations. This initiative not only demonstrates India’s commitment to green transportation but also highlights the growing capabilities of indigenous engineering and innovation in advanced railway technologies.”

As Indian Railways continues to modernize its network through electrification, alternative fuels, and advanced rolling stock technologies, the hydrogen train project is expected to serve as a crucial testbed for the future of sustainable rail transportation in India.