Indian Railways Approves 10-Coach Hydrogen-Powered Train for Jind-Sonipat Section
In a major step towards green and sustainable transportation, Indian Railways has approved the operation of a hydrogen fuel cell-based 10-coach train on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway. The train is expected to begin services soon and will operate at a maximum speed of 75 kmph using a 1200-kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology generates electricity through a chemical reaction using hydrogen, emitting only water vapour as a by-product. This makes it a cleaner alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based railway systems. Hydrogen-powered rail systems are increasingly being recognised globally as a promising solution for sustainable transportation.
With this initiative, India joins a select group of countries, including Germany, Japan, China and the United States, that are exploring the use of hydrogen technology for clean rail transport. Since the technology is still in its early stages, only a few countries are currently operating or testing such systems.
The Jind-Sonipat section in Haryana has been selected as the pilot route for the project. An indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has been established at Jind for the operations. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has granted the necessary licence for storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas at the site.
Hydrogen compression systems, technical support infrastructure and critical spare parts have also been arranged to ensure reliable and uninterrupted operations. An additional compressor unit is being set up as a backup for emergency situations. Various hydrogen leak and fire detection sensors installed at the hydrogen production, storage and dispensing facility will undergo regular inspection and cleaning to ensure safe functioning.
The Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) has approved the operation and maintenance manuals for both the hydrogen train set and hydrogen plant. Necessary safety provisions, standard operating procedures and regular audits are also being ensured for the proposed maintenance facility at Shakur Basti.
The approval also mandates strict adherence to comprehensive safety and operational protocols. These include round-the-clock monitoring of the hydrogen refuelling system, deployment of trained and certified personnel for critical operations, and periodic inspection and maintenance schedules. During the initial phase of operations, trained technical staff will travel with the train to ensure smooth functioning.
The project reflects Indian Railways’ broader commitment to innovation, energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable transport, in line with India’s clean energy and net-zero carbon emission goals.
