Indian Railways is set to launch the country’s first hydrogen-powered train as part of a ₹136 crore ($16.4m) project, after passing critical testing operations.

According to reports, the prototype train successfully passed load testing at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, one of Indian Railways’ largest and oldest train manufacturing facilities.

Expected to be rolled out on the Jind-Sonepat route in Haryana, the diesel electric multiple unit (DEMU) will run two daily trips totalling 356km and carry over 2,600 passengers per day.

The train’s two 1,600 HP diesel cars have been converted to use hydrogen fuel cell systems, and they will store 220kg of hydrogen in 350-bar high-pressure cylinders.

Additionally, a new station in Jind with 3,000kg hydrogen capacity has been built according to India’s Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) safety standards.

The initiative was part of the Indian government’s ‘Hydrogen for Heritage’ programme, a government plan to introduce 35 hydrogen-powered trains on heritage and hill railways.

The goal is to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the reliance on diesel locomotives, which are still common on these routes due to their challenging geography and limited electrification.

By Edward Laity
on Aug 15, 2025