Premium

India’s first Hydrogen train trial run begins; passenger services expected this year

Hydrogen Train India: With its introduction into commercial service, India will join an elite global league of countries including Germany, Sweden, Japan and China - that operate hydrogen-powered trains.

3 min readUpdated: Jan 8, 2026 02:37 PM IST

First hydrogen train trial in India (Image: AwasthiAwanishK/X)

Hydrogen train trial run, Hydrogen Train India: The trial run of India’s first hydrogen-powered train has commenced, with testing being carried out by the Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO). Developed by Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF), this new train ensures a major step towards cleaner and greener rail transport in the country.

Also Read | Indian Railways utilises over 80% of FY26 capex in first 9 months

Hydrogen train trial Indian Railways

Speaking to Indianexpress.com, Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Northern Railway has confirmed the development. The CPRO said that the trial run of the train has commenced.

Hydrogen train trial run in India

The trial run of the hydrogen-powered train is being conducted on the Jind–Sonipat section of the Northern Railway. During the trials, the Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO) will carry out oscillation tests and Emergency Brake Distance (EBD) trials as part of the evaluation process.

Also Read | Passengers on Howrah-Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper to get high-quality mill-made linen items

Hydrogen train India launch date

The hydrogen-powered train will be launched after the successful completion of trials and necessary approvals from the concerned authorities. However, interacting with the media last week, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the hydrogen train would be introduced soon. The minister made the remarks while speaking to reporters following the announcement of the first Vande Bharat Sleeper route.

Also Read | How many trains run every day from New Delhi railway station?

India’s first hydrogen train

With its introduction into commercial service, India will join an elite global league of countries including Germany, Sweden, Japan and China – that operate hydrogen-powered trains. “For providing hydrogen for use in this train-set, a hydrogen plant has been conceived at Jind. In this plant, hydrogen is being produced using electrolysis process which is key element of green hydrogen generation,” the national transporter said.

Story continues below this ad

Also Read | Howrah-Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper train to cut travel time by 3 hours

Hydrogen train features

Designed and Developed in India demonstrating Indian Railways’ commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Presently, it is the world’s longest (10 coaches) and most powerful (2400 kW) Hydrogen Train-set on Broad Gauge platform.
The train-set comprises of two Driving Power Cars (DPCs) of 1200 kW each, totalling 2400 kW along with eight passenger cars.
Zero CO2 emissions; only emission is water vapour.
Major step in development of next generation fuel technology in Railways.

Anish Mondal

Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Loading Taboola...