India's Hydrogen Train All Set: Jind-Sonipat Route, 75 kmph Speed, Details

Indian Railways has approved the introduction of the country’s first hydrogen-powered trainset on the Jind-Sonipat railway section in Haryana, marking a major step toward cleaner and more sustainable transportation. The 10-car hydrogen fuel cell-based train is expected to begin pilot operations soon and will run at a maximum speed of 75 kilometers per hour. The project places India among a select group of countries exploring hydrogen-powered rail systems, including Germany, Japan, China, and the United States.

According to Indian Railways, the train will be powered by a 1,200 KW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system designed to generate electricity onboard through a chemical reaction involving hydrogen. Unlike conventional diesel-powered trains, hydrogen fuel cell technology produces only water vapor as an emission, making it an environmentally friendly alternative for rail transport. Officials described the initiative as part of the Railways’ broader commitment to innovation, energy efficiency, and India’s long-term clean energy and net-zero carbon emission goals.

The Jind-Sonipat section has been selected as the dedicated route for the pilot project, and supporting infrastructure has already been established at Jind. Indian Railways confirmed that an indigenous hydrogen storage and refueling facility has been set up for the train operations. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) has granted the necessary approvals for the hydrogen infrastructure and operational systems linked to the project.

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Railway authorities stated that extensive safety measures have been incorporated into the pilot program due to the relatively new nature of hydrogen-powered rail technology. During the initial phase, trained technical personnel will accompany the train to monitor operations and ensure smooth functioning. The project also includes continuous monitoring of the hydrogen refueling system, deployment of certified staff, regular maintenance schedules, and installation of advanced safety equipment such as hydrogen leak detectors and flame detection systems.

Indian Railways has already electrified nearly its entire railway network, significantly reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. However, hydrogen-powered trains are viewed as the next stage in the transition toward greener transportation technologies, particularly for routes where full electrification may be difficult or expensive. Officials believe the success of the Jind-Sonipat pilot project could open the door for broader deployment of hydrogen-powered trains across selected sections of the country in the future.

The hydrogen train initiative comes amid the Indian government’s wider push toward hydrogen-based transportation systems. Earlier this month, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation launched hydrogen-powered shuttle buses in New Delhi’s Central Vista area with support from Indian Oil Corporation Limited. The introduction of hydrogen trains and buses reflects growing efforts by Indian authorities to develop alternative clean-energy transport solutions as part of the country’s evolving sustainability and environmental strategy.

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