India is set to mark a major milestone in green transportation with the launch of its first Hydrogen Fuel Cell Train on 17 July. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to flag off the train on the Jind–Sonipat section in Haryana, introducing a new generation of rail transport powered by hydrogen instead of diesel or overhead electric wires.

The launch follows India's rapid railway electrification drive, with more than 99 per cent of the country's broad-gauge rail network now electrified. The hydrogen train represents the next phase of this transition by generating electricity onboard through hydrogen fuel cells, producing only water vapour and heat as by-products.

The project also establishes India's first integrated hydrogen railway ecosystem, including hydrogen production, storage, refuelling infrastructure and train operations.

What is India's first Hydrogen Fuel Cell Train?

Unlike conventional electric trains that rely on overhead power lines or diesel locomotives, the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Train generates its own electricity onboard.

It uses Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology, where hydrogen stored in high-pressure cylinders reacts with oxygen from the atmosphere to produce electricity.

The electricity powers the train's traction motors, while the only by-products are water vapour and heat.

In simple terms: Hydrogen + Oxygen → Electricity + Water vapour

Because the process involves no combustion, the train produces virtually no direct carbon emissions during operation.

India's first hydrogen train route

The hydrogen-powered train will initially operate on the 89-kilometre Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway in Haryana.

The route connects:

• Jind Junction
• Gohana Junction
• Sonipat

It will also serve several intermediate stations and halts, including Jind City, Pandu Pindara Junction, Bhambhewa, Butana Halt, Khandrai Halt, Rabrah Halt, Lath Halt, Mohana, Barwasni Halt and Sonipat New.

Indian Railways says the route has been selected to evaluate the operational performance, safety and reliability of hydrogen-powered passenger services under regular operating conditions.

Passenger capacity and coaches

The train consists of:

• Eight passenger coaches
• Two Hydrogen Driving Power Cars (DPCs)

Together, they can accommodate around 2,600 passengers.

According to Indian Railways, this makes it one of the largest hydrogen-powered passenger trains in the world, as most hydrogen trains currently operating internationally have only two to four coaches.

Speed of India's hydrogen train

The train will initially operate at a maximum speed of 75 km/h on the Jind–Sonipat route.

However, it has been designed for a top speed of 110 km/h.

Each Hydrogen Driving Power Car generates approximately 1,200 kilowatts (around 1,600 horsepower), providing sufficient power for future higher-speed operations.

Key passenger features

Passengers can expect a quieter journey compared with conventional diesel trains.

The train is also equipped with multiple advanced safety systems, including:

• Hydrogen leak detectors
• Flame detectors
• Heat sensors
• Smoke detectors
• Continuous monitoring systems
• Automatic emergency shutdown mechanisms

These systems continuously monitor the train to ensure safe operation.

How does the hydrogen train work?

Each Hydrogen Driving Power Car contains:

• Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells
• Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries
• High-pressure hydrogen storage cylinders

The fuel cells generate electricity during normal operation, while the batteries help provide additional power during acceleration and store recovered energy during braking.

This combination improves efficiency while reducing emissions.

Where does the hydrogen come from?

Indian Railways has established what it describes as the country's largest railway hydrogen refuelling facility at Jind.


The process involves:

• Producing hydrogen through electrolysis, where electricity splits water into hydrogen and oxygen.
• Storing the hydrogen in dedicated tanks.
• Compressing it to 500 bar for storage.
• Refuelling the train at 350 bar using two independent dispensers that can refill both power cars simultaneously.

The facility has a storage capacity of approximately 3,000 kilograms of hydrogen and has received approval from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).

Is the hydrogen train safe?

Hydrogen is highly flammable, making safety one of the project's highest priorities.

Indian Railways says the train has been designed using the internationally recognised "defence in depth" safety principle, which employs multiple independent protection systems rather than relying on a single safeguard.

Safety measures include:

• Continuous hydrogen leak monitoring
• Automatic isolation of hydrogen supply if abnormalities are detected
• Continuous ventilation systems to prevent hydrogen accumulation
• Fire detection and suppression systems
• Real-time system monitoring in the locomotive pilot's cabin
• Emergency operating modes

The hydrogen refuelling facility at Jind is equipped with similar safety mechanisms, including automatic shutdown systems and water spray arrangements for fire control.

Before passenger operations, the entire hydrogen ecosystem underwent an independent safety assessment by TÜV SÜD Germany and was developed in accordance with international standards, including NFPA-2 and the ISO 19880 Series, while complying with PESO regulations.

The train also completed extensive testing covering electrical systems, ride stability, braking performance and radio-frequency compatibility before receiving operational approval.

How does India compare with other countries?

Hydrogen-powered passenger trains remain relatively uncommon worldwide.

Countries including Germany, France, Italy, China and Japan have introduced hydrogen train projects or pilot services.

However, most international hydrogen trains consist of only two to four coaches, making India's 10-coach train one of the largest hydrogen-powered passenger trainsets currently developed.

What comes next?

Indian Railways says the Jind–Sonipat project is the first step in a broader hydrogen rail programme.

Experience gained from this project is expected to support future deployment of hydrogen-powered trains on additional routes, including heritage railways such as the Kalka–Shimla line.

The initiative also aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission and India's long-term commitment to reducing carbon emissions while modernising its railway network.


Inputs from agencies