India's Hydrogen Train Hits the Rails
India has put a hydrogen-powered train into service between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana. By July 25, the train had covered more than 1,200 kilometers and saved over 3,200 liters of diesel, according to figures released by India's Ministry of Railways. This trial is part of a broader effort to cut emissions on routes where conventional overhead electrification is difficult or costly.
The train comprises ten coaches: two power cars delivering a combined 2,400 kW, and eight passenger coaches with room for nearly 2,600 people. It runs on an 89-kilometer pilot corridor, with a maximum service speed of 75 km/h and a design speed of 110 km/h. The fuel cells produce electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen, leaving only steam and heat as exhaust.
Safety and Refueling: Backing Up the Hydrogen Fleet
A dedicated refueling station in Jind generates hydrogen through electrolysis and can store up to 3,000 kilograms. The station is capable of filling both power cars at the same time, has been licensed by India's safety regulator, and is independently certified by TÜV SÜD. However, the ministry has not yet published data on hydrogen usage per trip, the cost per passenger, or the expected lifespan of the fuel cells.
India has already electrified more than 99% of its rail network, and a next test run is planned for a Delhi-area route, though no date has been set. As the International Energy Agency points out, the climate advantage of hydrogen trains is strong only if the hydrogen is made using renewable electricity; if coal-fired power is used, the benefits are significantly reduced.
Key figures from the trial:
- Over 1,200 km traveled
- More than 3,200 liters of diesel saved
- 2,400 kW total output from power cars
- Capacity for around 2,600 passengers
- 89 km pilot route length
- 75 km/h service speed and 110 km/h design speed
- 3,000 kg of hydrogen stored at the depot
The train's safety systems include hydrogen leak detectors, flame and smoke sensors, automatic fuel shutoff, and continuous real-time monitoring from the driver's cab.
The Ministry of Railways has kept silent on hydrogen consumption per trip, passenger-carrying cost, and fuel-cell durability. Hydrogen traction could eventually find a home on historic stretches such as the Kalka-Shimla line, where installing electric wires is prohibitively expensive or technically problematic.
India's hydrogen train is an important step toward sustainable transport in a country aiming to curb carbon emissions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Hydrogen-based rail could become crucial for the industry's future, especially where electrification is not economically viable. Further trials and refinements may prove its efficiency and lead to broader adoption across India.
As India embraces innovative transportation solutions, the launch of its first domestically manufactured hydrogen train marks a significant milestone in the country's efforts to reduce carbon emissions. This development complements the recent introduction of the hydrogen-powered train between Jind and Sonipat. To learn more about this groundbreaking initiative and its implications for the future of rail travel in India, read our article on India's first homegrown hydrogen train.