Country Prepares for Launch of Hydrogen Train to Promote Clean Energy and Modern Rail Technology

Bhubaneswar, June 2: Indian Railways has approved the operation of the country’s first indigenous hydrogen-powered train. The train will have 10 coaches and a 1200-kilowatt engine, and it will run on the Jind–Sonipat section at a speed of 75 kilometers per hour.

This initiative is considered a major step toward clean and sustainable transportation. Indian Railways has approved the introduction of hydrogen fuel cell-powered trains, which use hydrogen fuel cell technology to generate electricity through chemical reactions.

Key Features

The train will have 10 coaches and a 1200 kW engine.

It will run at a speed of 75 km per hour on the Jind–Sonipat section.

According to the Railways, the technology emits only water vapor, making it a clean alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based railway systems.
Countries such as Germany, Japan, China, and the United States are already operating hydrogen trains. The Jind–Sonipat section in Haryana has been selected as the pilot route for this project.
To support operations, an indigenously developed hydrogen storage and refueling facility has been established at Jind. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) has granted the necessary licenses for the storage and distribution of compressed hydrogen gas at the site.
To ensure reliable and error-free operation, a hydrogen compressor along with critical technical equipment and support systems has been installed for fuel handling. Additionally, a separate backup compressor unit has been kept ready to deal with emergencies.
Various safety sensors have been installed at the hydrogen production, storage, and distribution centers to detect gas leaks and fire hazards. Regular inspections of these sensors will be conducted. The hydrogen refueling system will be monitored round the clock.
Trained and certified personnel will be deployed for critical operations, and regular inspection and maintenance schedules will be implemented. Strict compliance with comprehensive safety and operational protocols will also be ensured.