New Delhi: Indian Railways has approved the introduction of a 10-car hydrogen fuel cell-powered trainset on the Jind-Sonipat section under Northern Railway in Haryana, in a major push towards green transportation,
The train is expected to begin operations soon and will run at a top speed of 75 kmph, abp LIVE reported.
“The hydrogen-powered train will operate using a 1,200 KW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system. Unlike conventional diesel-powered trains, the hydrogen fuel cell system produces electricity through a chemical reaction using hydrogen, with water vapour being the only emission,” an official said.
This is India’s most ambitious clean energy rail projects so far. With this, India joins a small group of countries including Germany, Japan, China and the United States that are experimenting with hydrogen-powered railway systems as part of sustainable mobility initiatives.
Since the train runs on hydrogen fuel cells, it does not emit smoke or harmful carbon gases, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuel-based rail systems.
“The 10-coach trainset has been specially designed for short-distance regional operations and will initially run as a pilot project on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana,” the official added.
An indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has been developed at Jind, to support the system. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has already granted approval for the storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas at the site.
A dedicated hydrogen compression system for refuelling operations along with standby compressor units to ensure uninterrupted service has also been installed by the Railways.
Multiple safety mechanisms have been incorporated into the project, officials said. Hydrogen leak detectors, flame detectors and other specialised sensors have been installed at the hydrogen production, storage and dispensing facility.
Regular inspections and maintenance checks will be carried out by railway authorities to ensure safe operations. Trained technical staff will also travel with the train for continuous monitoring and support, during the initial phase.
Indian Railways has prepared dedicated operation and maintenance manuals approved by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), another official said. Safety audits and standard operating procedures are also being implemented at the Shakurbasti maintenance facility.
The hydrogen train project is part of Indian Railways’ larger plan to adopt cleaner and energy-efficient technologies and reduce carbon emissions. The initiative also aligns with India’s broader clean energy and net-zero emission goals.
The success of the pilot project could pave the way for wider deployment of hydrogen-powered trains across the country in the future, officials believe.
