Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off India's first hydrogen-powered train from Jind station in Haryana
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off India’s first indigenously developed hydrogen fuel cell-powered train from Jind railway station in Haryana.
The launch marks a significant step in Indian Railways’ efforts to adopt cleaner propulsion technologies and reduce dependence on fossil fuels for non-electrified routes.
How the Hydrogen Train Works
Unlike conventional diesel locomotives or electric trains that draw power from overhead wires, this train generates its own electricity onboard. It uses Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology, where compressed hydrogen stored in high-pressure cylinders reacts with oxygen from the air.
This electrochemical reaction produces electricity to power the traction motors, with water vapour and heat as the only by-products. There is no combustion involved.
The 10-coach trainset consists of two Hydrogen Driving Power Cars (each equipped with 1,200 kW fuel cells, Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, and hydrogen storage) and eight trailer coaches.
The hybrid system uses batteries for additional power during acceleration and stores energy recovered through regenerative braking, improving overall efficiency.
The train features a 3,200 horsepower propulsion system, making it one of the most powerful hydrogen trainsets currently operating globally.
Route, Operations and Capacity
The pilot service operates on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat section under Northern Railway. Train No. 74010 will depart from Jind at 7:40 AM and will reach Sonipat at 9:40 AM (a journey of two hours). The return service, Train No. 74009, will leave Sonipat at 10:40 AM and will arrive in Jind at 1:00 PM (approximately 2 hours 20 minutes).
It halts at 12 intermediate stations: Jind City, Pandu Pindara, Lalit Khera, Bhambeva, Ishapur Kheri, Butana, Khandrai, Gohana, Rabhra, Lath, Mohana Haryana, and Barwasni. The train runs two round trips daily, covering 356 km.
It has a seating capacity of 682 and can carry around 2,600 passengers. The design speed is 110 kmph, though it operates at a maximum of 75 kmph on this route for the pilot phase.
Supporting Infrastructure
Operations are enabled by India’s largest railway hydrogen storage and refuelling facility at Jind, capable of storing nearly 3,000 kg of hydrogen.
The station includes compression systems, safety features aligned with international standards (NFPA-2, ISO 19880), and has approvals from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
It was developed with technical guidance from RDSO and independent safety assessment by TUV SUD Germany. The train is expected to consume about 300 kg of hydrogen per day at full load.
Developed entirely with indigenous technology under the “Hydrogen for Heritage” initiative, the project aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission. It offers a viable zero-emission alternative for non-electrified or heritage routes where full electrification may not be feasible. Safety measures include hydrogen leak detectors, flame detection, ventilation systems, and real-time monitoring.
India joins a select group of countries such as Germany, France, China, Japan, and the United States that have deployed or are testing hydrogen trains. This pilot will provide critical operational data, infrastructure insights, and maintenance experience for potential wider adoption.
The initiative underscores India’s push toward sustainable transport while advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat goals in green technology. As the world’s fourth-largest rail network seeks to decarbonize further, successful implementation here could pave the way for more hydrogen-powered services in the coming years.
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