India’s First Hydrogen Train Gets Approval for Jind-Sonipat Route, May 27

Indian Railways approved its first hydrogen-powered passenger train on May 27, a major step toward cleaner rail transport. The 10-coach trainset will operate on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana at a maximum speed of 75 kmph using a 1200 KW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system. The move positions India alongside Germany, Japan, China, and the United States in deploying hydrogen rail technology.

How the Hydrogen Train Works

The hydrogen fuel cell system generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Water vapor is the only emission, making it a zero-emission alternative to diesel trains. The trainset will run on the dedicated Jind-Sonipat section under Northern Railway in Haryana.

Safety and Infrastructure Built for Operations

An indigenous hydrogen storage and refueling facility has been established at Jind with approval from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). The facility includes a hydrogen compression system, hydrogen leak detectors, and flame detectors at production, storage, and dispensing points. A standby compressor unit is being arranged as a backup safety measure. Indian Railways has prepared operation and maintenance manuals approved by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO).

India Joins Global Hydrogen Rail Movement

With this approval, India enters an elite group of nations using hydrogen fuel cell technology for rail transport. The Ministry of Railways stated the trainset is “all set to start soon” on the pilot Jind-Sonipat route. Reports describe the train as the world’s longest hydrogen trainset on a broad gauge network and among the most powerful hydrogen passenger train systems developed so far.

Why This Matters for India’s Transport Future

The hydrogen train reduces dependence on fossil fuels and supports India’s broader green energy and decarbonization goals. Unlike conventional diesel trains, hydrogen systems emit only water vapor, cutting pollution from rail transport. The Jind-Sonipat pilot project tests whether hydrogen can scale across India’s rail network as the country modernizes its transportation infrastructure.

Final Thoughts

India’s hydrogen train approval marks a shift toward zero-emission rail transport. The 10-coach trainset on the Jind-Sonipat route demonstrates India’s commitment to green infrastructure and positions the nation as a hydrogen technology adopter alongside global leaders.

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