Prayagraj, 26 July (HS): On July 17, 2026, India's first hydrogen train began service

between Jind and Sonipat in the Delhi area. So far, the train has traveled over

1,200 kilometers while saving over 3,200 gallons of diesel. The hydrogen train

creates power within itself by a chemical process between hydrogen and oxygen.

This procedure supplies the electrical energy required to drive the train while

producing just water vapor as a byproduct. It emits no smoke or carbon dioxide

from its exhaust, making it the cleanest rail propulsion technology now

available.

This project is entirely indigenous, spearheaded by Indian

Railways. The 10-coach train has two hydrogen-powered power vehicles that

provide 2,400 kilowatts of power. It also comes with lithium iron phosphate

batteries and hydrogen cylinders.

Jind now houses Indian Railways' first dedicated hydrogen storage facility as

part of this project. It can store green hydrogen at pressures of up to 500 bar

and refill at up to 350 bar. The entire storage capacity of this facility is

about 3,000 kg.

The train has many separate safety systems that detect hydrogen leaks,

overheating, fire, and smoke. These systems incorporate an automated shut-off

mechanism, continuous ventilation, adherence to international safety standards,

and all required testing and validation. Following the successful functioning

of the Jind-Sonipat segment, testing will shortly commence on the Delhi route.

India's hydrogen fuel cell train is not just a technological

achievement, but a significant step towards establishing an indigenous hydrogen

rail ecosystem. This project demonstrates India's commitment to sustainable,

zero-emission rail transport and lays a strong foundation for its future

expansion and global leadership in clean transportation.

The train, flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, travels 89

kilometers on the Northern Railway in Haryana from Jind to Sonipat. This

achievement elevates India to the ranks of an exclusive worldwide club of

countries that use zero-emission hydrogen rail technology, including Germany,

China, Japan, and the US.

How Does Technology Work?

The train is constructed on zero-emission electrochemical technology, which

bypasses typical combustion.

It is powered by Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells. To create power,

onboard hydrogen interacts with airborne oxygen.

Battery Support: Extra power is stored in lithium iron phosphate (LFP)

batteries. These batteries provide extra power when accelerating.

Eco-Friendly Output: The only direct byproducts are water vapour and heat,

eliminating smoke and carbon emissions.

Dedicated Infrastructure and Safety

Refueling Station: Railways built its largest hydrogen facility at Jind,

Haryana. The facility generates green hydrogen using water electrolysis.

Storage Facilities: The station can hold up to 3,000 kilograms of hydrogen.

Onboard gas is compressed to 500 pressure and dispensed at 350 bar.

Safety Protocols: The network includes leak detectors, automated shut-off

tools, and continuous ventilation. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety

Organisation of India (PESO) has certified these systems.

Strategic Significance and Future Plans: While India has already electrified

over 99% of its broad-gauge network, complete electrification is problematic on

some lines. The Hydrogen for Heritage initiative's hydrogen train

pilot project collects operating data to enhance clean rail travel to isolated

locations and picturesque, environmentally fragile regions. Following the

success of Jind-Sonipat, more extension experiments on the Delhi route are

expected to commence shortly.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi