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India Prepares to Launch Its First Hydrogen-Powered Train in Haryana

India is on the verge of introducing its first hydrogen-powered passenger train, as the pilot project led by Northern Railway enters the final stage of commissioning, according to an official statement from the Haryana government.

The hydrogen train will operate on the Jind–Sonipat route under Northern Railway and will be fueled by a dedicated green hydrogen production facility in Jind. The plant produces hydrogen through water electrolysis and has the capacity to store up to three tonnes of green hydrogen, making it the largest ground-mounted hydrogen storage installation currently operational in the country. To ensure uninterrupted hydrogen generation, the state has provided a dedicated 11 kV electricity supply.

The train-set has been manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, and is designed to carry 2,638 passengers, placing it among the longest hydrogen-powered trains globally.

Following a project review meeting with officials from Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN), Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi emphasized the need for regular inspections of the power supply infrastructure. He also called for strong backup systems and rapid-response protocols to prevent delays during the commissioning process.

The initiative is part of the Ministry of Railways’ ‘Hydrogen for Heritage’ programme, which focuses on retrofitting diesel-powered trains with hydrogen fuel cell technology. In December, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the train-set manufacturing had been completed in line with specifications laid down by the Research, Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO).

By replacing diesel engines with hydrogen fuel cells, the train will operate with zero direct emissions, producing only water vapour and heat. This milestone places India alongside countries such as Germany, Sweden, Japan, and China, which have already deployed hydrogen-powered rail systems.

Once operational, the pilot project is expected to serve as a template for decarbonising India’s non-electrified rail corridors, supporting the national goal of transitioning to low-carbon rail transport by 2030.