Bhubaneswar: Indian Railways is set to introduce the country’s first Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trainset, marking a significant milestone in its transition towards cleaner and more sustainable rail transport. The hydrogen-powered train, which generates electricity onboard using hydrogen and emits only water vapour, represents the next phase in India’s journey from steam and diesel traction to green mobility.
The development comes after Indian Railways achieved more than 99 per cent electrification of its Broad Gauge network, substantially reducing dependence on imported diesel. Unlike conventional electric trains that rely on overhead power lines, the hydrogen train produces electricity onboard through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, eliminating direct carbon emissions while ensuring uninterrupted power supply.
The 10-coach trainset, designed to accommodate around 2,600 passengers, is among the largest hydrogen-powered passenger trains globally. It will initially operate on the 89-km Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway with an operational speed of 75 kmph and a design speed of 110 kmph to demonstrate the viability, safety and reliability of hydrogen-powered rail services under regular operating conditions.
The train comprises two Hydrogen Driving Power Cars (DPCs) and eight trailer coaches. Each power car houses Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and hydrogen storage cylinders that together generate 1,200 kW of power, sufficient to propel the train while producing only water vapour and heat as by-products.
To support operations, Indian Railways has established the country’s largest railway hydrogen production, storage and refuelling facility at Jind in Haryana. The integrated facility produces hydrogen through electrolysis, compresses it to 500 bar for storage and dispenses it at 350 bar through dual refuelling systems, allowing both power cars to be refuelled simultaneously. The plant has a storage capacity of nearly 3,000 kg of hydrogen and has received approval from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
Given hydrogen’s highly inflammable nature, Indian Railways has incorporated multiple layers of safety into both the train and the refuelling infrastructure. These include hydrogen leak detectors, flame and smoke sensors, continuous ventilation systems, automatic hydrogen shut-off mechanisms, CCTV surveillance, fire protection systems and dedicated emergency response protocols. The project has also undergone independent third-party safety assessment by TÜV SÜD, Germany, in addition to compliance with international standards and statutory approvals.
The trainset has been developed using indigenous technology under the leadership of Indian Railways, with the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) leading design approvals, Medha Servo Drives integrating the trainset, and the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) contributing to its design.
Officials said the hydrogen train project places India among a select group of countries developing hydrogen-powered rail systems. While countries such as Germany, France, Italy, China and Japan have introduced pilot or regional hydrogen train services with two to four coaches, India’s 10-coach trainset represents one of the largest passenger hydrogen train configurations globally. Indian Railways is also exploring the deployment of hydrogen-powered trains on heritage routes, including the Kalka–Shimla railway, as part of its long-term strategy to promote sustainable mobility and support the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
