India’s First Hydrogen Train Ready For Rollout, Says Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

Indian Railways is preparing to launch its first hydrogen-powered train, a major step in showcasing indigenous hydrogen train technology under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The new train set-designed and manufactured in India-is currently the world's longest and most powerful hydrogen train operating on a broad-gauge platform. It produces zero CO₂ emissions, releasing only water vapour.

The initiative is being implemented as a pilot project based on specifications developed by the Research, Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO). The details were shared by Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

Vaishnaw confirmed that the Hydrogen Train-set has already been fully manufactured. To support its operations, a dedicated hydrogen production plant has been proposed in Jind. This facility will generate hydrogen through electrolysis-an essential process in producing green hydrogen. According to the Minister, the hydrogen train demonstrates Indian Railways' strong push toward indigenous innovation in next-generation fuel technology.

The train set is notable for several key features. It is the world's longest hydrogen train at 10 coaches and the most powerful on broad gauge, with a total output of 2400 kW. It includes two Driving Power Cars (DPCs), each rated at 1200 kW, along with eight passenger coaches.

A major highlight is the train's environmental performance-its only emission is water vapour, with zero CO₂ output. Vaishnaw emphasised that the project marks a significant milestone for India as it involves end-to-end designing, prototype development, and the introduction of hydrogen traction technology on Indian Railways for the first time.

He also noted that since both the Hydrogen Train-set and its supporting infrastructure have been created as a pilot project, comparing its costs with existing traction systems would not be appropriate at this stage.

The Minister added that the initiative underscores Indian Railways' commitment to expanding clean-energy-based mobility and advancing a greener future for the country's rail network.