India’s First Hydrogen Passenger Train Signals a Major Leap Towards Green Rail Mobility

New Delhi, July 16, 2026 India is set to usher in a new era of sustainable transportation with the launch of its first hydrogen-powered passenger train on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana. More than the introduction of a new railway service, the project reflects Indian Railways' growing commitment to cleaner energy and technological innovation. Designed to carry around 2,600 passengers across 10 coaches, the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trainset is among the largest of its kind globally, demonstrating how hydrogen technology can be adapted for high-capacity passenger operations while supporting India's broader transition towards environmentally friendly transport. The train generates electricity onboard through Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells instead of relying on overhead electric wires. Hydrogen stored in high-pressure cylinders reacts with oxygen from the atmosphere to produce electricity for the traction motors, releasing only water vapour and heat as by-products. Powered by two Hydrogen Driving Power Cars and eight passenger coaches, the train has a design speed of 110 kmph and will initially operate at 75 kmph on the 89-kilometre Jind–Sonipat section. The project also complements Indian Railways' achievement of electrifying over 99% of its Broad Gauge network. Supporting the initiative is India's largest railway hydrogen refuelling facility at Jind, equipped with hydrogen production, storage, compression and dispensing infrastructure. The ecosystem incorporates multiple safety measures, including hydrogen leak detectors, flame and heat sensors, smoke detectors, continuous ventilation and automatic shutdown systems. The facility has received approval from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), while the complete hydrogen ecosystem underwent independent safety evaluation by TÜV SÜD, Germany. Developed through indigenous expertise involving RDSO, Medha Servo Drives and the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), the project marks the creation of India's first integrated hydrogen railway ecosystem. As hydrogen-powered rail technology continues to evolve worldwide, India's 10-coach train highlights an ambitious approach to large-scale passenger transport. Indian Railways considers the Jind–Sonipat project the starting point for wider deployment of hydrogen-powered services, including potential use on heritage routes such as the Kalka–Shimla line. Supporting the National Green Hydrogen Mission and India's long-term net-zero vision, the initiative represents an important step towards a future where clean energy and indigenous engineering drive the next generation of rail travel.