India has taken a major step towards sustainable transportation as Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first hydrogen train on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana under Northern Railway. The launch marks the country’s first use of hydrogen fuel cell technology in rail transport and positions India among a select group of nations using this clean energy solution. The pilot project is expected to pave the way for greener railway travel with India’s first hydrogen train.
What is India’s first hydrogen train?
Unlike conventional diesel trains, India’s first hydrogen train runs on hydrogen fuel cells that generate electricity while emitting only water vapour. This makes it a cleaner and more environmentally friendly alternative for railway operations.
The project also includes hydrogen storage and refuelling facilities, creating the infrastructure needed to support future hydrogen-powered trains across the country.
Ahead of the launch, PM Modi said India has joined a select group of nations operating hydrogen-powered trains and added that the initiative will strengthen the adoption of clean technology in the railway sector.
Key features of India’s first hydrogen train
The newly launched train comes with several advanced features:
- 10-coach hydrogen fuel cell-based trainset
- Powered by a 1200 kW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system
- Approved operating speed of 75 kmph with a design speed of 110 kmph
- Capacity to carry around 2,600 passengers
- Developed entirely from the design stage to prototype manufacturing
- Connects Jind Junction, Gohana Junction and Sonipat while serving several intermediate stations, including Jind City, Pandu Pindara Junction, Bhambhewa, Khandrai Halt, Lath Halt and Mohana
India joins leading nations in hydrogen rail technology
With India’s first hydrogen train, the country joins Germany, Japan, China and the United States in exploring hydrogen-powered railway transportation.
The pilot project will help Indian Railways evaluate the performance, efficiency and commercial feasibility of hydrogen technology before introducing similar trains on more routes in the future.
FAQs
Q. What is India’s first hydrogen train?
A. It is India’s first train powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology, launched on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana.
Q. How does India’s first hydrogen train work?
A. It uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, producing only water vapour as a by-product, making it a cleaner alternative to diesel trains.
Q. Where will India’s first hydrogen train operate?
A. The train will run on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route under Northern Railway, connecting Jind, Gohana and Sonipat.
Q. Why is India’s first hydrogen train important?
A. It marks India’s entry into hydrogen-powered rail transport and supports the country’s goal of adopting cleaner and more sustainable transportation technologies.
