What Is a Hydrogen-Powered Train and Why Is Indian Railways Introducing It Between Jind and Sonipat?
India is preparing to run its first hydrogen-powered train between Jind and Sonipat under Northern Railway. The 10-coach DEMU train has clearance from the Railway Ministry for a maximum speed of 75 kmph.
The ministry’s decision follows detailed checks by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation and the Commissioner of Railway Safety. Officials stressed that permission for the hydrogen train does not equal an immediate launch. The Northern Railway General Manager must submit compliance reports to RDSO, CCRS, PESO and an international safety certification and inspection body.
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Safety approvals and operations plan for hydrogen train
The ministry highlighted PESO's licence, stating: "PESO has granted a licence for filling and storage of Compressed Hydrogen Gas (CHG) in Hydrogen Storage System from Hydrogen Generation Unit for dispensing purpose as automotive fuel at Jind, Haryana. Compliance of all the conditions/ stipulations as mentioned therein shall be strictly ensured," the ministry's letter said.
Authorities also drew attention to reliability of ground equipment at the hydrogen facility. "Various sensors (leak detectors, flame detectors, etc) provided on ground hydrogen production, storage and dispensing facility are prone to failure due to dust accumulation. Necessary schedule for regular clearing shall be ensured for failsafe operation," it added. For at least three months, trained technical staff will travel on the train.
Hydrogen train technology and route details
The DEMU train will use hydrogen fuel cells instead of diesel or conventional electric traction. The system produces 1,200 kilowatts and uses Distributed Power Rolling Stock technology, spreading power across coaches. The train is cleared only for the Jind–Sonipat section, while its maintenance hub is at Shakurbasti in Delhi under Northern Railway.
An official explained the special movement plan between the section and the depot. "Since this train has been permitted to operate strictly between the Jind and Sonipat section only and its maintenance facilities have been created at Shakurbasti in Delhi, as per safety protocol, its hydrogen power system will be switched off to bring it to a dead condition, and a diesel locomotive will haul the entire train to Shakurbasti for maintenance," an official said.
What is a hydrogen-powered train?
A hydrogen-powered train runs using hydrogen fuel cells instead of conventional diesel engines or electric overhead lines. In this system, hydrogen gas is stored in tanks mounted on the train. The hydrogen then reacts with oxygen inside a fuel cell to produce electricity.
That electricity powers the train's motors.
The only direct by-products of this process are water vapour and heat, making hydrogen trains significantly cleaner than diesel-powered trains.
How does it work?
The train uses three key components:
- Hydrogen tanks - store compressed hydrogen fuel
- Fuel cells - convert hydrogen into electricity
- Battery system - stores extra energy and supports acceleration
How is it different from other Indian trains?
Here's a simple comparison:
| Aspect | Hydrogen-Powered Train | Diesel Trains | Electric Trains |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Source | Hydrogen fuel cells (green hydrogen from electrolysis) | Diesel combustion | Overhead catenary wires (electricity from grid) |
| Emissions | Zero CO₂ - only water vapor emitted | High CO₂, particulate pollution, NOₓ | Zero at point of use (but depends on grid electricity source) |
| Infrastructure | No overhead wires needed; needs hydrogen plant & storage | Fuel depots for diesel | Expensive overhead electrification required |
| Power Output | 2,400 kW (two 1,200 kW power cars) - world's most powerful broad-gauge hydrogen locomotive | Typically 2,000-3,000 kW | Varies (2,500-6,000+ kW) |
| Range Efficiency | 360 kg hydrogen covers ~180 km (up to 10× more distance than conventional electric trains on some metrics) | Limited by fuel tank capacity | Limited by grid connectivity |
| Noise/Vibration | Reduced noise and vibration | Noisy, high vibration | Quiet, low vibration |
| Refueling | 30-60 minutes | Continuous (no refueling) |
Key advantages of hydrogen trains
- Eco-friendly: Emits only water vapour
- Less noise: Quieter than diesel engines
- Useful for non-electrified routes: Can operate where overhead electric lines are absent
- Reduced fossil fuel dependence: Supports India's clean-energy goals
Why is this important for India?
Indian Railways is one of the world's largest rail networks and still operates diesel trains on several routes. Hydrogen-powered trains could help reduce carbon emissions, especially on routes where electrification is difficult or expensive.
The Jind-Sonipat section in Haryana has been chosen as a pilot route to test the technology under Indian conditions before possible expansion to other regions.
Are hydrogen trains already used globally?
Yes. Countries such as Germany, Japan, Sweden, France and China have already tested or introduced hydrogen-powered passenger trains. Germany's Coradia iLint is among the world's best-known hydrogen train models.
India's move places it among a growing group of countries exploring hydrogen as a future transport fuel.
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