India’s First Indigenous Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Based Train: A Major Step Towards Green Transportation

Indian Railways has approved the operation of India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell-based trainset on the Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway, marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards green and sustainable rail transportation. The initiative reflects India’s commitment to adopting clean energy technologies and reducing the environmental impact of the transport sector.Hydrogen fuel cell technology generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The process produces electrical energy while emitting only water vapor and heat as by-products, making it a clean and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fossil fuels. As a result, hydrogen is increasingly being viewed as a key fuel for the future of sustainable mobility.

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¨     The Railway Board has sanctioned the introduction of a 10-car Hydrogen Fuel Cell-based DEMU trainset on the dedicated Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway.

¨     The train successfully completed its oscillation trials conducted by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), paving the way for commercial operations.

¨     Initially, the approval is limited to the Jind–Sonipat route, while its scheduled maintenance will be carried out at Shakurbasti.

¨     With the launch of this train, India joins a select group of countries such as Germany, Japan, China, Sweden and the United States that are exploring or operating hydrogen-powered rail systems.

¨     The initiative reflects Indian Railways’ broader commitment to innovation, energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable mobility.

About the Hydrogen-Powered Train

¨     The hydrogen train is designed and developed in India, demonstrating Indian Railways’ commitment to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and indigenous technological development.

¨     Presently, it is the world’s longest hydrogen trainset on a broad-gauge platform, consisting of 10 coaches.

¨     It is also the most powerful hydrogen trainset on a broad-gauge platform, with a total installed power of 2400 kW.

¨     The trainset comprises two Driving Power Cars (DPCs) of 1200 kW each, along with eight passenger coaches.

¨     It will operate on the 89-km Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana.

How Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology Works

¨     Hydrogen fuel-cell technology generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.

¨     The electricity produced powers the train’s electric motors, eliminating the need for diesel-based traction systems.

¨     Inside the fuel cell, hydrogen molecules are split into protons and electrons.

¨     The electrons travel through an external circuit, generating electricity, while the protons pass through a membrane.

¨     At the cathode, the protons, electrons and oxygen combine to form water, which is released as water vapour.

¨     As a result, water vapour is the only emission, making hydrogen fuel cells one of the cleanest transportation technologies currently available.

Hydrogen Production and Refuelling Infrastructure

¨     To support train operations, an indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has been established at Jind.

¨     The facility has received the necessary approval from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) for the storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas.

¨     The project is supported by a hydrogen compression system for refuelling operations, along with critical spare components and technical support systems to ensure reliable and fail-safe functioning.

¨     A standby compressor unit has also been provided to ensure uninterrupted operations.

¨     The hydrogen required for the project is produced through electrolysis, a process in which water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity.

¨     Under the broader vision of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, renewable energy-based electrolysers are expected to play a crucial role in producing green hydrogen.

Safety and Operational Arrangements

¨     The approval mandates 24×7 monitoring of the hydrogen refuelling system, deployment of trained and certified personnel for critical operations, and periodic inspection and maintenance schedules.

¨     Operation and maintenance manuals for both the hydrogen trainset and hydrogen plant have been approved by RDSO.

¨     In addition, the proposed maintenance facility at Shakurbasti will operate under comprehensive safety provisions, standard operating procedures and regular audits.

Significance

¨     Green and Sustainable Transportation: The train produces zero CO₂ emissions, with water vapour as the only exhaust, helping reduce the environmental footprint of railway operations.

¨     Advancement of Clean Energy: Supports the objectives of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023) and promotes the use of hydrogen as a next-generation clean fuel.

¨     Technological Self-Reliance: Demonstrates indigenous capabilities in hydrogen propulsion, storage, refuelling and railway engineering under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

¨  Energy Security and Reduced Fossil Fuel Dependence: Encourages the adoption of alternative fuels and reduces long-term dependence on imported fossil fuels for transportation.

¨   Progress Towards Net-Zero Goals: Contributes to India’s clean energy transition and supports the country’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 through the decarbonisation of the transport sector.