Indian Railways is set to usher in a new era of sustainable mobility with the launch of India’s first Hydrogen Fuel Cell Train Set, a landmark project that places the country among a select group of nations deploying hydrogen-powered passenger rail services. Designed to carry around 2,600 passengers, the indigenous 10-coach train is expected to become one of the largest hydrogen-powered passenger trains in the world, highlighting India’s growing capabilities in clean transportation and advanced railway engineering.
Unlike conventional electric trains that depend on overhead power lines, the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Train generates electricity onboard through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen using a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell. The process produces electricity to power the train while emitting only water vapour and heat, making it a near-zero emission mode of transport. The train consists of two Hydrogen Driving Power Cars (DPCs) and eight trailer coaches, with each power car producing 1,200 kW (1,600 hp) of traction power. It has a design speed of 110 kmph and will initially operate on the Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway, demonstrating the operational viability of hydrogen-powered passenger services in India.
To support the project, Indian Railways has established India’s first integrated railway hydrogen ecosystem at Jind in Haryana. The facility produces hydrogen through electrolysis, compresses it to 500 bar and dispenses it at 350 bar through dual filling stations, enabling both power cars to be refuelled simultaneously. With a storage capacity of nearly 3,000 kilograms of hydrogen, the facility has been approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) and is capable of supporting regular operations of the train.
Given hydrogen’s highly flammable nature, Indian Railways has incorporated comprehensive safety measures throughout the train and refuelling infrastructure. Advanced monitoring systems continuously detect hydrogen leaks, heat, flames and smoke, while automatic shutdown mechanisms isolate the hydrogen supply if abnormalities are detected. Continuous ventilation prevents hydrogen accumulation, and the locomotive cabin has been specially designed to ensure operator safety during emergencies. The hydrogen ecosystem complies with international safety standards, including NFPA-2 and the ISO 19880 Series, and underwent an independent safety assessment by TÜV SÜD, Germany, before being cleared for operation. The train also successfully completed extensive testing, including electrical load trials, radio frequency compatibility, oscillation studies and emergency braking evaluations.
The project has been developed using indigenous technology under the leadership of Indian Railways. The Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) formulated the technical specifications and led the approval process, while Medha Servo Drives integrated the trainset and the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) developed its exterior design and theme.
Hydrogen-powered passenger trains remain at an early stage of adoption worldwide, with countries such as Germany, France, Italy, China and Japan operating relatively small pilot or regional services comprising only two to four coaches. In comparison, India’s 10-coach hydrogen train demonstrates the scalability of hydrogen technology for high-capacity passenger transportation, positioning the country at the forefront of sustainable railway innovation.
The launch of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Train follows Indian Railways’ successful electrification of more than 99% of its Broad Gauge network and represents the next major step in reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The experience gained from the Jind–Sonipat project is expected to support future deployment of hydrogen-powered trains on additional routes, including heritage railways such as the Kalka–Shimla line, reinforcing India’s commitment to the National Green Hydrogen Mission and its long-term Net Zero objectives.
