New Delhi, 16 July (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off India's first hydrogen-powered train from Jind Railway Station in Haryana on Friday. The train will operate between Jind and Sonipat and has a passenger capacity of approximately 2,600. Powered by hydrogen-generated electricity, the train will produce no smoke or carbon emissions, with only water vapour and heat released during operation.
The Ministry of Railways said on Thursday that after achieving more than 99 per cent electrification of India's broad-gauge rail network, Indian Railways is now taking another significant step towards clean energy transportation. Unlike conventional electric trains that depend on overhead power lines, the hydrogen-powered train generates electricity onboard by combining hydrogen with oxygen from the air.
The 10-coach train comprises two power cars and eight passenger coaches. Each power car is equipped with hydrogen fuel cells, batteries and hydrogen storage cylinders. The train has a design speed of 110 kmph, although it will operate at a maximum speed of 75 kmph on the Jind-Sonipat route.
According to the Ministry of Railways, while hydrogen-powered trains are already in operation in several countries, they generally consist of only two to four coaches. India's 10-coach train is among the largest hydrogen-powered passenger trains in the world in terms of capacity.
To ensure complete operational safety, the train has been fitted with multiple layers of advanced safety systems. These include sensors capable of instantly detecting hydrogen leaks, fire, smoke and excessive temperatures. In the event of any malfunction, the hydrogen supply will automatically shut off. Both the train and the hydrogen production facility at Jind are also equipped with modern fire protection systems.
For the project, Indian Railways has established the country's largest railway hydrogen refuelling facility at Jind, Haryana. Hydrogen is produced there through the electrolysis of water, safely stored and then supplied to the train. The facility has received approval from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
The Railway Ministry stated that before being cleared for commercial service, the train successfully completed extensive technical trials covering its electrical systems, braking mechanism, communication network and operational speed. In addition, the train's safety systems were independently evaluated by Germany-based certification agency TÜV SÜD.
The project has been developed under the leadership of Indian Railways, with significant contributions from the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) and Medha Servo Drives.
The Ministry of Railways said the experience gained from this project will pave the way for introducing hydrogen-powered trains on other routes in the future, including the Kalka-Shimla railway line. The initiative is regarded as a major milestone in advancing the National Green Hydrogen Mission and promoting environmentally sustainable rail transportation in India.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
