India is set to get its first Hydrogen Fuel Cell Train on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off the train on the Jind–Sonipat section in Haryana, marking a new chapter in the country’s transition towards cleaner transport. India’s first Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trainset is designed to generate its own electricity onboard using hydrogen instead of relying on overhead electric wires or diesel engines.The launch comes after compilation of one of the world’s largest railway electrification drives, with more than 99% of its broad gauge network now electrified. The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trainset represents the next step in this journey, generating electricity onboard while producing only water vapour and heat as by-products. The project also marks the creation of the country’s first integrated hydrogen railway ecosystems, encompassing hydrogen production, storage, refuelling infrastructure and train operations.Here’s all you need to know about the train:
Passenger capacity
The train has 10 coaches, including eight passenger coaches and two Hydrogen Driving Power Cars that can accommodate around 2,600 passengers.This makes it one of the largest hydrogen-powered passenger trains in the world as most hydrogen trains currently operating globally have only two to four coaches and primarily serve short regional routes.
Route
Initially, the train will run on the 89-km Jind–Sonipat section of northern railway in Haryana.The route connects Jind Junction, Gohana Junction and Sonipat, while serving intermediate stations and proposed halts including Jind City, Pandu Pindara Junction, Lalit Khera Halt, Bhambhewa, Isapur Kheri Halt, Butana Halt, Khandrai Halt, Rabrah Halt, Lath Halt, Mohana, Barwasni Halt and Sonipat New.According to the railways, this route has been selected to demonstrate the operational viability, safety and reliability of hydrogen-powered passenger services under regular operating conditions.
Speed
The train will initially operate at a maximum speed of 75 kmph on the Jind–Sonipat route. However, it has been designed for a top speed of 110 kmph.
Key features for passengers
The hydrogen-powered train is expected to be significantly quieter than conventional diesel trains while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. To ensure safe operations, it is equipped with advanced safety features, including hydrogen leak detectors, flame detectors and continuous monitoring systems.
How does a hydrogen train work?
Unlike conventional electric trains that draw electricity from overhead lines, the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trainset produces electricity onboard.The train uses a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell, which works like a small power plant. Hydrogen stored in high-pressure cylinders combines with oxygen from the atmosphere inside the fuel cell to generate electricity. That electricity powers the train’s traction motors, which move the train.The process produces only water vapour and heat.In simple terms:Hydrogen + Oxygen → Electricity + Water vapourSince there is no combustion, the train produces no smoke and virtually no direct carbon emissions.
The train consists of two Hydrogen Driving Power Cars (DPCs), one at each end, and eight passenger trailer coaches.Each power car generates 1,200 kilowatts (1,600 horsepower), providing enough power for the train to achieve a design speed of 110 kmph.Each DPC houses the fuel cells, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and hydrogen storage cylinders that work together to power the train under different operating conditions.
Where does the hydrogen come from?
Indian railways has established what it describes as the country’s largest railway hydrogen refuelling facility at Jind.The process begins with hydrogen production through electrolysis, where electricity is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.The hydrogen is then stored in dedicated tanks before being compressed to 500 bar so that larger quantities can be stored efficiently.During refuelling, hydrogen is supplied to the train at 350 bar through two independent dispensers, allowing both power cars to be refuelled simultaneously and reducing turnaround time.The facility has a storage capacity of nearly 3,000 kilograms of hydrogen and has been approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
Safety concerns
As the country prepares for its first hydrogen train, concerns are mounting of its safety, as the element is highly flammable.Indian railways says that the project has been designed using the internationally recognised principle of “defence in depth”, where multiple independent safety systems work together rather than relying on a single layer of protection.The train and refuelling infrastructure are equipped with hydrogen leak detectors, heat sensors, flame detectors and smoke detectors that continuously monitor the system.The train also has continuous ventilation systems that prevent leaked hydrogen from accumulating by safely dispersing it into the atmosphere.If any abnormal condition is detected, the hydrogen supply can automatically be isolated and shut off without requiring manual intervention.The locomotive pilot’s cabin also features dedicated monitoring systems that display the health of the hydrogen system in real time, along with emergency operating modes that allow the train to be moved safely if required.The hydrogen facility at Jind includes similar safeguards, including leak detection systems, automatic shutdown systems, water spray arrangements for fire control and fire alarm systems.Before passenger operations, the hydrogen ecosystem underwent an independent safety assessment by TUV SUD, Germany.The project has been developed in accordance with internationally accepted standards, including NFPA-2 and the ISO 19880 Series, while also complying with statutory safety requirements prescribed by PESO.The train also completed extensive testing, including electrical load testing, radio-frequency compatibility trials, oscillation tests to assess ride stability and emergency braking distance evaluations before being approved for operation.
What’s next
Hydrogen-powered passenger trains are still at an early stage worldwide. Germany became the first country to introduce commercial hydrogen passenger trains, while France, Italy, China and Japan are operating pilot projects or limited services.However, most of these trains have only two to four coaches.Indian railways says that the Jind–Sonipat project is the beginning of its hydrogen programme and the experience gained from the project is expected to support the deployment of hydrogen-powered trains on other routes, including heritage railways such as the Kalka–Shimla line.The initiative also complements the National Green Hydrogen Mission and India’s long-term commitment to achieving net-zero emissions, as the railways continues its transition from electrification towards hydrogen-powered mobility.
