India’s First Hydrogen Train

India’s First Hydrogen Train heralds a new era in green rail transport. Read here to learn more about it.

India is set to achieve a significant milestone in sustainable transportation as the Prime Minister will flag off India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train from Jind, Haryana, on 17 July 2026.

The train marks the country’s entry into hydrogen-powered rail mobility and reflects India’s growing commitment towards clean energy, decarbonisation, and green mobility under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

The project represents a major technological advancement in Indian Railways‘ efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while providing sustainable transport solutions for non-electrified railway routes.

What is India’s First Hydrogen Train?

• India’s first hydrogen train is a Hydrogen-Electric Multiple Unit (HEMU) that uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity for propulsion instead of diesel engines.
• Unlike conventional trains, it emits only water vapour and heat, making it a zero-tailpipe emission transportation system.
• Rather than designing an entirely new train, Indian Railways adopted a cost-effective approach by retrofitting existing Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) coaches with hydrogen fuel cells and lithium battery technology.
• The pilot project demonstrates India’s capability to adopt advanced clean-energy technologies in public transport while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Development of the Project

The hydrogen train has been developed through collaboration between Indian Railways and the private industry.

Implementing Agency: Northern Railway

Project Cost: Approximately ₹136 crore

Technology Partner: Medha Servo Drives, Hyderabad (system integration)

Fuel Cell Supplier: Ballard Power Systems, Canada

Pilot Route: Jind – Sonipat Section (89 km), Haryana

The project is intended to serve as a pilot for evaluating hydrogen propulsion technology before expanding it to other non-electrified railway routes.

Why Hydrogen Trains?

Indian Railways has achieved more than 95% electrification of its broad-gauge network. However, several branch lines, heritage routes, and short-distance corridors remain unelectrified where overhead electric infrastructure is either economically unviable or geographically challenging.

Hydrogen trains provide an environmentally friendly alternative to diesel locomotives in such areas.

They also contribute towards:

• Reducing diesel consumption
• Lowering carbon emissions
• Improving energy security
• Promoting clean mobility
• Supporting India’s Net Zero target by 2070

How Does a Hydrogen Train Work?

Hydrogen trains operate using Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) technology.

Step 1: Hydrogen Storage

• Compressed hydrogen gas is stored onboard in specially designed high-pressure tanks.
• The hydrogen is stored under pressures ranging from 200 to 500 bar.

Step 2: Fuel Cell Operation

Inside the fuel cell,

• Hydrogen enters the anode.
• Oxygen from atmospheric air enters the cathode.
• A catalyst separates hydrogen atoms into protons and electrons.

The electrons flow through an external circuit, generating electricity.

The protons combine with oxygen to produce

• Water vapour
• Heat

No combustion takes place.

Step 3: Powering the Train

The electricity generated powers:

• Electric traction motors
• Lighting systems
• Air-conditioning
• Other onboard equipment

Step 4: Hybrid Battery Support

The train also carries a Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) battery.

The battery:

• supplies additional power during acceleration,
• stores surplus electricity,
• supports peak power demand,
• improves efficiency.

Step 5: Regenerative Braking

• When the train slows down, the traction motors function as generators.
• Electricity produced during braking is stored back in the battery, improving overall energy efficiency.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Details
Train Type	Hydrogen-Electric Multiple Unit (HEMU)
Coaches	8 passenger coaches + 2 power cars
Passenger Capacity	Around 682 passengers
Maximum Speed	75 km/h
Total Power	2400 kW (3200 hp)
Hydrogen Storage	440 kg
Hydrogen Pressure	200–500 bar
Daily Hydrogen Consumption	Approximately 300 kg
Pilot Route	Jind–Sonipat
Fueling Station	Jind

Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure

A dedicated hydrogen refuelling station has been established at Jind.

Features

• Capacity of 3,000 kg of hydrogen
• Automated filling system
• High-pressure dispensing equipment
• Advanced cooling system

Before dispensing, hydrogen is cooled to nearly -15°C, allowing faster and safer refuelling.

This is India’s first railway-specific hydrogen fueling facility.

Why is Lithium Battery Used Alongside Fuel Cells?

Fuel cells generate electricity steadily but cannot meet sudden high-power demands instantly.

Therefore, the lithium battery supplements power during:

• train acceleration,
• climbing gradients,
• rapid speed changes,

Similarly, during braking, the battery stores the electricity it has regenerated.

This hybrid system increases:

• efficiency
• reliability
• fuel economy
• battery life

Advantages of Hydrogen Trains

Zero Emissions

The only by-products are

• water vapour
• heat

There are no emissions of:

• Carbon dioxide
• Sulphur dioxide
• Nitrogen oxides
• Particulate matter

Cleaner Air

• Hydrogen trains can significantly reduce local air pollution, especially in densely populated areas.

Lower Noise

• Electric motors generate much less noise than diesel engines.

Suitable for Non-electrified Routes

Hydrogen trains eliminate the need for expensive overhead electric infrastructure.

This makes them ideal for:

• branch lines
• hilly terrain
• heritage routes
• remote railway corridors

Reduced Fossil Fuel Dependence

• Replacing diesel with hydrogen lowers India’s dependence on imported petroleum.

Energy Efficiency

• Regenerative braking and hybrid batteries improve overall operational efficiency.

Supports Climate Commitments

Hydrogen mobility contributes towards:

• Net Zero 2070
• National Green Hydrogen Mission
• India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
• SDG 13 (Climate Action)

Significance for Indian Railways

Green Mobility

• The hydrogen train represents a major step towards sustainable transportation.

Technology Demonstration

• It demonstrates India’s capability in adopting advanced fuel-cell technology.

Decarbonisation

• The project supports Indian Railways’ long-term goal of becoming a Net Zero Carbon Emitter.

Indigenous Capability

• Although the fuel cells are imported, the integration, engineering, and train modification have largely been undertaken by Indian companies.
• Future projects may increasingly rely on indigenous fuel-cell manufacturing under Make in India.

Boost to Hydrogen Economy

Large-scale adoption of hydrogen trains could stimulate demand for:

• Green Hydrogen production
• Hydrogen storage systems
• Fuel cell manufacturing
• Hydrogen logistics
• Electrolyser manufacturing

Challenges

High Cost: Hydrogen fuel cells remain significantly more expensive than diesel engines.

Hydrogen Production

• Most hydrogen currently produced globally is grey hydrogen, derived from natural gas.
• For climate benefits, the railway system must transition towards green hydrogen, produced using renewable electricity.

Storage Challenges

Hydrogen requires sophisticated storage systems as it has:

• low volumetric energy density,
• high flammability,

Infrastructure Requirements

Hydrogen trains require:

• dedicated fueling stations,
• hydrogen transport,
• storage facilities,
• maintenance infrastructure.

Building this ecosystem requires substantial investment.

Safety

• Hydrogen is highly combustible.
• Safe storage, transportation and handling require rigorous engineering standards and continuous monitoring.

Economic Viability

• Hydrogen trains are currently more suitable for non-electrified lines.
• On heavily trafficked routes, conventional electrification may remain more economical.

Hydrogen Trains Around the World

Several countries have already introduced hydrogen-powered trains.

Country	Hydrogen Train
Germany	Coradia iLint (World’s first commercial hydrogen train)
France	Alstom Hydrogen Trains
Italy	Hydrogen regional trains under development
Austria	Hydrogen train trials
United Kingdom	HydroFLEX
China	Hydrogen metro and passenger trains

India joins a growing group of countries exploring hydrogen-powered rail transport.

National Green Hydrogen Mission

India’s hydrogen train complements the National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in January 2023.

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)

Objectives

• Make India a global hub for Green Hydrogen.
• Produce 5 million metric tonnes of Green Hydrogen annually by 2030.
• Reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
• Promote clean transportation and industrial decarbonisation.
• Develop a complete hydrogen value chain, including production, storage, transportation, and utilisation.

Way Forward

For hydrogen rail transport to become commercially viable, India should:

• Scale up domestic production of green hydrogen using renewable energy.
• Develop indigenous fuel-cell manufacturing under Make in India.
• Expand hydrogen refuelling infrastructure across strategic railway corridors.
• Promote research on efficient hydrogen storage technologies.
• Encourage public-private partnerships for hydrogen mobility.
• Integrate hydrogen trains with India’s broader clean energy and railway modernisation programmes.

Conclusion

India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train marks a transformative step in the evolution of sustainable rail transport. By replacing diesel propulsion with hydrogen fuel cells, the project demonstrates the potential of clean, zero-emission mobility for non-electrified railway corridors.

Beyond reducing carbon emissions, it strengthens India’s hydrogen economy, promotes technological innovation, and reinforces the country’s commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070. While challenges related to hydrogen production, infrastructure, and costs remain, continued investment in indigenous technology and green hydrogen production can position India as a global leader in hydrogen-based transportation.