New Delhi: India has completed its first hydrogen-powered train, marking a new phase in the railways’ transition towards cleaner propulsion systems. The train is set to begin pilot operations in Haryana, with preparations finalised for its maiden run between Jind and Sonipat.
Indian Railways, working with the Research Designs and Standards Organization, has readied the train for trial operations. As per local reports, the hydrogen-powered train can travel up to 180 km on 369 kg of hydrogen and reach a maximum speed of 110 km per hour.
The government has described the train as the world’s longest hydrogen-powered train, comprising ten coaches, and the most powerful of its kind. It features two driving power cars that together generate 2.4 MW of power using hydrogen fuel cells.
Refuelling for the train will be carried out using green hydrogen produced at a 1 MW PEM electrolyser facility in Jind, which is currently in the final stages of commissioning, The Times of India reported.
The development comes as Indian Railways continues to move away from diesel traction. Under Mission 100% Electrification, more than 99 per cent of the rail network has already been electrified. Industry experts note that hydrogen-powered trains could be particularly useful on routes where electrification is limited or not feasible.
The pilot also aligns with India’s broader push in green hydrogen. Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the country is targeting annual production of five million tonnes of green hydrogen.
India has also made progress in downstream applications. The recently concluded 13-part green ammonia auction secured 724,000 tonnes per annum for fertiliser plants, with discovered prices falling as low as ₹49.75 per kg.
BI Bureau
