India entered the hydrogen-powered rail era on Friday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the country's first indigenously developed hydrogen fuel cell train. The 10-coach train will run on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana and is being introduced as a pilot project to test hydrogen-powered mobility. Officials say it is the world's longest and most powerful hydrogen train.
HOW THE TRAIN WORKS
Unlike diesel trains, the hydrogen train generates electricity onboard using a 1,200-kW Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). Hydrogen stored in high-pressure tanks reacts with oxygen to produce electricity, with only water vapour and heat as byproducts.
The electricity powers the train's motors and is also stored in lithium iron phosphate batteries, which provide extra power during acceleration and recover energy through regenerative braking, improving efficiency.
KEY FEATURES
The train has two hydrogen-powered driving cars and eight passenger coaches, with a capacity of around 2,600 passengers. It is approved to run at a maximum speed of 75 kmph, with a design speed of 110 kmph.
The route connects Jind, Gohana and Sonipat, with India's largest railway hydrogen storage and refuelling facility established at Jind.
SAFETY AND SIGNIFICANCE
The project includes hydrogen leak detectors, flame sensors, automated shut-off systems, continuous ventilation and real-time monitoring to ensure safe operations.
Developed entirely in India under the guidance of the Research Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO), the pilot supports the National Green Hydrogen Mission and aims to help Indian Railways evaluate hydrogen technology for future expansion while advancing its clean energy and net-zero goals.
