Indian Railways has approved the country’s first Hydrogen fuel cell train, paving the way for cleaner and more sustainable railway transportation. The train will operate on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway in Haryana and is being hailed as the world’s longest and most powerful hydrogen-powered train on a broad-gauge railway network. The approval marks a significant milestone in India’s green mobility mission through the Hydrogen fuel cell train.
India joins global hydrogen rail network
With this development, India joins countries such as Germany, Japan, China and the United States, which are already testing or operating hydrogen-powered rail systems.
The Hydrogen fuel cell train features ten coaches, including two Driving Power Cars producing 1,200 kW each, taking the total power output to 2,400 kW. The remaining eight coaches are designed for passengers, while dedicated compartments house hydrogen storage cylinders, fuel cell systems, batteries and advanced control equipment.
The train can travel around 250 kilometres on a single refuelling and will operate commercially at speeds of up to 75 km/h. Trial runs, however, will be conducted at speeds of up to 120 km/h.
How hydrogen fuel cell technology works
Unlike diesel-powered trains, the Hydrogen fuel cell train generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The only by-products are water vapour and heat, making it a zero-emission transport solution.
The train effectively produces its own electricity while running, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.
Safety measures and indigenous development
Indian Railways has prioritised safety by installing 27 hydrogen cylinders at both the front and rear of the train. A fully indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has also been developed at Jind.
The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has approved the storage and supply system. Leak detectors, flame sensors and standby compression systems have also been installed to ensure safe operations.
Designed by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in Lucknow and manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, the Hydrogen fuel cell train has been built entirely under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The project, known as Namo Green Rail, highlights India’s growing capability to develop next-generation railway technology while promoting sustainable public transport.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Hydrogen fuel cell train approved by Indian Railways?
A. It is India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train that generates electricity using hydrogen fuel cells and emits only water vapour and heat.
Q2. Where will the Hydrogen fuel cell train operate?
A. It will run on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway in Haryana.
Q3. How far can the train travel on one refuelling?
A. The train can cover approximately 250 kilometres on a single hydrogen refill.
Q4. Who developed India’s hydrogen-powered train?
A. The train was designed by RDSO, Lucknow, and manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
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