India has launched its first hydrogen-powered passenger train, a significant stride towards sustainable rail transport. The 2,400-kW (3,200 HP) zero-emission service, operating between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana, has already clocked approximately 6,000 km, saving an estimated 36,444 kg of CO₂ compared to a conventional diesel-electric multiple unit (DEMU).
This innovative 10-coach train, developed entirely by Indian Railways, is currently the longest hydrogen-powered train in operation globally, capable of carrying up to 2,600 passengers. While designed for a maximum speed of 110 kmph, it currently operates at 75 kmph. Its onboard fuel cells generate electricity by combining stored hydrogen with oxygen, emitting only water vapor and heat, making it a truly clean energy solution.
Strategic Importance for Indian Railways
The introduction of the India hydrogen train aligns directly with India's ambitious net-zero-by-2030 target for its railway network. Although 99% of the Indian rail network is electrified, hydrogen trains offer a practical and eco-friendly alternative for the remaining non-electrified or partially electrified sections where overhead electrification is either difficult or cost-prohibitive. They are particularly well-suited for remote and heritage routes, such as the Kalka–Shimla line, providing a way to replace diesel locomotives without extensive infrastructure overhauls.
Beyond environmental benefits, these trains contribute to improved air quality around stations and along non-electrified corridors by eliminating local emissions. The project is a testament to indigenous engineering, with design, integration, and a dedicated hydrogen storage and refuelling facility at Jind handled by Indian entities like RDSO, ICF, and Medha.
Affordability and Global Context
A crucial aspect of this initiative is its accessibility: passengers on the Jind–Sonipat hydrogen service pay the same fares as ordinary DEMU tickets, ranging from ₹10 to ₹25. This pricing strategy is vital for encouraging adoption and scaling the technology across the network as it matures.
India's entry into the hydrogen rail sector places it alongside countries like Germany and China, which already operate such trains, and others like France, Italy, Japan, the US, UK, and South Korea, which are in pilot or rollout phases. The successful operation on the Jind–Sonipat corridor could pave the way for similar deployments on other short-distance, non-electrified routes, further helping Indian Railways decarbonize the 'last mile' of its extensive network and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.