India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train

Indian Railways approves the introduction of a 10-car hydrogen fuel cell-based trainset. India’s first hydrogen-powered train is operated on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana and is developed by Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory.

India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train :

Dimension	Key Details
Approving authority	Indian Railways approves the introduction of a 10-car hydrogen fuel cell-based trainset.
Route	The country’s first hydrogen-powered train runs between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana.
Developed by	The hydrogen-powered trainset is developed by Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF).
Hydrogen fuel cell technology	Hydrogen fuel cell technology generates electricity through a chemical reaction using hydrogen, with water vapour as the only emission.
Alternative to fossil fuel	Hydrogen fuel cell technology provides for a clean alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based traction systems.
Net-zero reference	Decarbonisation of the railways is linked to attaining the net-zero goal by 2070.
Hydrogen for Heritage	Indian Railways under “Hydrogen for Heritage” envisages deploying 35 hydrogen-powered trains on heritage and hill routes across the country.
Capacity and engine	The system comprises a 10-car train with a 1200 KW engine.
Maximum speed	It operates at a maximum speed of 75 kmph.
Hydrogen storage and refuelling facility	An indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility is set up at Jind for the trainset.
Licence for hydrogen	The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has granted the required licence for storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas at the site.
Hydrogen compression system	A hydrogen compression system is provided for refuelling operations, along with technical support and critical spares, and a standby compressor unit is ensured.
Maintenance facility and safety provisions	Safety provisions, regular audits, and standard operating procedures are ensured for the proposed maintenance facility at Shakurbasti.
Safety and operational protocols	Protocols comprise 24x7 monitoring of the hydrogen refuelling system, deployment of trained and certified personnel for critical operations, and regular inspection and maintenance schedules.
Safety sensors	Safety sensors, including hydrogen leak detectors and flame detectors, are installed at the hydrogen production.
Manuals and approving body	Operation and maintenance manuals for the hydrogen train-set and hydrogen plant are approved by RDSO (Research Designs and Standards Organisation) and are made available.