India Clears First Indigenous Hydrogen Train for Launch on Jind-Sonipat Route

India is set to enter the era of hydrogen-powered rail transport after Indian Railways approved the country’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell-based train for operations on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway in Haryana.

The 10-coach trainset, powered by a 1200 KW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system , is expected to begin passenger services soon after final operational procedures are completed. The train will operate at a maximum speed of 75 kmph on the nearly 90-km route.

The project places India among a select group of countries including Germany, Japan, China and the United States exploring hydrogen-powered railway systems for cleaner mobility. Developed with support from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai , and the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) , the train is part of Indian Railways’ “Hydrogen for Heritage” initiative aimed at reducing diesel dependence and carbon emissions.

Hydrogen fuel cell technology generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, with water vapour as the only emission , making it a zero-emission alternative to conventional trains.

Officials said the train successfully completed safety and oscillation trials earlier this year. The Railway Board granted operational approval on May 22 following technical clearances.

An indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has been established at Jind, equipped with compression systems, standby units and advanced safety infrastructure, including hydrogen leak detectors and flame sensors. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has approved the storage and dispensing systems.

Maintenance will be carried out at the Shakurbasti depot in Delhi with trained technical staff deployed during the initial phase of operations.