Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered train, making India one of the few countries operating hydrogen passenger trains. The 10-coach train, which can carry 2,600 passengers, will run between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana at a maximum operational speed of 75 kmph — designed for 110 kmph. This launch is a significant step in India's transition to cleaner rail transport, with the country's rail network already 99% electrified and hydrogen trains targeting remote, non-electrified routes.
How the hydrogen train works
The train is powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology. It combines hydrogen stored in onboard cylinders with oxygen from the air inside a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell to produce electricity, powering the traction motors without combustion. The only by-product is water vapour. The train is equipped with two hydrogen driving power cars, each producing 1,200 kW of power, supported by lithium iron phosphate batteries and hydrogen storage cylinders.
Refueling and ecosystem
Indian Railways has set up India's first integrated hydrogen railway ecosystem at Jind, including facilities for hydrogen production through electrolysis, storage, compression, and refuelling — all at the same plant.
Designed and built in India
The train has been designed, engineered, and integrated in India by RDSO, ICF, and Medha. It is the longest hydrogen passenger train in the world (10 coaches versus the global standard of 2-3 coaches), and one of the most powerful with a 3,200 HP propulsion system.
Global context and challenges
Germany remains the pioneer in hydrogen train commercial passenger operations, according to the source. China has operational deployments, France and Italy are rolling out services, while Japan, the US, UK, and South Korea are largely at pilot or demonstration stages. Pranav Master noted that the biggest lesson from Germany's success is that "success depends on the ecosystem, not just the train." He added: "Germany showed the importance of reliable hydrogen supply and maintenance infrastructure. China demonstrated the value of domestic manufacturing, while Japan highlighted the need for rigorous safety standards and gradual scaling."
Comparison: India vs. Global Hydrogen Trains
| Feature | India's Hydrogen Train | Typical Global Hydrogen Trains |
|---|---|---|
| Number of coaches | 10 | 2-3 |
| Propulsion power | 3,200 HP | Varies |
| Fuel cell power | 2 x 1,200 kW | Lower range |
| Route | Jind–Sonipat, Haryana | Various short-distance routes |
Implications for freight and logistics
While the initial deployment is for passenger service, the technology and infrastructure developed could eventually be adapted for freight locomotives, offering logistics operators a pathway to decarbonise rail transport. The hydrogen ecosystem at Jind — integrating production, storage, and refuelling — provides a model for future freight corridors. However, the economic viability of hydrogen trains is not possible unless part of a broader hydrogen economy ecosystem not limited to railways alone, as the source notes.
Watch list
- Scaling of hydrogen production and refuelling infrastructure beyond Jind
- Potential adaptation of hydrogen fuel cell technology for freight locomotives
- Government policies and investments in the broader hydrogen economy
- International developments in hydrogen train technology, especially in Germany, China, and Japan
Sources:
