Indian Railways is set to launch India's first Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trainset, representing a significant advancement in sustainable rail mobility. The train generates its own electricity onboard through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapor as a by-product with near-zero emissions at the point of use. This development marks the latest evolution in Indian Railways' power sources, building on the achievement of over 99% Broad Gauge route electrification that has reduced dependence on imported diesel.
The hydrogen train consists of two Hydrogen Driving Power Cars (DPCs) and eight Trailer Coaches (TCs), configured as a 10-coach passenger train with a capacity of approximately 2,600 passengers. Each DPC produces 1,200 kW (1,600 hp) of power, providing a combined 2,400 kW to push the entire train. The train has an operational speed of 75 kmph on the Jind–Sonipat section and a design speed of 110 kmph. The 89 km route connects Jind Junction, Gohana Junction, and Sonipat, serving intermediate stations including Jind City, Pandu Pindara Junction, and several halt stations.
A complete hydrogen ecosystem has been established at Jind, featuring India's largest railway hydrogen refuelling facility. The facility operates in three stages: hydrogen production through electrolysis, compression to 500 bar, and dispensing through two independent hydrogen dispensers at a regulated pressure of 350 bar. The facility can store nearly 3,000 kg of hydrogen at a time, sufficient to support regular operations, and allows simultaneous refuelling of both Hydrogen Driving Power Cars to reduce turnaround time.
Safety has been implemented through multiple layers of protection following the defence-in-depth principle. The train and plant are equipped with continuous monitoring systems that detect hydrogen leaks, unusual heat, flames, or smoke within seconds. Additional safety features include non-stop ventilation systems, automatic hydrogen supply shut-off systems, and a specially designed Loco Pilot cabin with emergency safety modes and real-time system health monitoring. The entire system has been designed in accordance with international standards including NFPA-2 and ISO 19880 Series, complies with PESO statutory requirements, and underwent independent third-party safety assessment by TÜV SÜD Germany.
The train underwent rigorous testing before commissioning, including load box testing to verify electrical and power systems under real load, radio frequency trials to ensure no interference with signalling systems, oscillation trials to check running stability, and emergency brake distance trials to confirm stopping safety. The project represents indigenous development with RDSO formulating technical specifications and leading design approval, Medha Servo Drives handling integration, and ICF contributing to theme and exterior design.
Globally, hydrogen-powered trains typically comprise only two to four coaches for regional services, making India's 10-coach configuration a significant advancement in scale. Indian Railways is exploring further deployment of hydrogen technology on heritage railways, including the Kalka–Shimla route, signaling a transition from pilot project to structured national programme that supports India's National Green Hydrogen Mission and Net Zero goals.