India’s first hydrogen train: 6 things passengers should know before its launch

India’s first hydrogen-powered train is expected to begin operations soon (Image: Ministry of Railways/Enhanced with AI)

6 things to know about India’s first hydrogen train

• India’s first hydrogen train to run on Jind-Sonipat route

The country’s first hydrogen-powered trainset will run on the Jind-Sonipat route. The 89-km-long stretch falls under the control of Northern Railway’s Delhi Division. During its journey between Jind and Sonipat, the hydrogen train will stop at 12 stations. These are: Jind City, Pandu Pindara, Lalit Khera, Bhambeva, Ishapur Kheri, Butana, Khandrai, Gohana, Rabhra, Lath, Mohana Haryana, and Barwasni. It will run as train number 74010/74009.

• Jind-Sonipat hydrogen train to run at 75 kmph

The Jind-Sonipat hydrogen train will operate at a maximum speed of 75 kmph. The 10-car trainset will include two Driving Power Cars (DPCs) with a capacity of 1,200 kW each, providing a combined power output of 2,400 kW, along with eight passenger coaches.

With its launch, the train is set to become the world’s longest hydrogen trainset and the most powerful hydrogen train on the Broad Gauge ( BG) platform.

• Inside India’s hydrogen train: From diesel DEMU to hydrogen fuel cell power

As the name suggests, the Jind-Sonipat hydrogen train will be powered by hydrogen fuel. The train will use a 1,200 KW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system, which will generate power to operate the train. This hydrogen train is a converted version of a Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rake.

In a statement, the national transporter said: “Hydrogen is a high-energy-density fuel (120 MJ/Kg) in comparison to diesel (43 MJ/Kg), with low maintenance and a manageable Carbon footprint. In the proposed hybrid power system, the primary energy source is a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) and the secondary energy source will be a battery bank to meet the average and peak power requirements.”

When India’s first hydrogen train was being manufactured at Chennai-based ICF (Image: Ministry of Railways)

• Hydrogen train’s only direct emission is water vapour

According to the Ministry of Railways, hydrogen fuel cell technology generates electricity through a chemical reaction involving hydrogen. The process produces only water vapour as an emission, making it a cleaner alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based traction systems.

• How India’s first hydrogen train will be refuelled

To refuel India’s first hydrogen trainset, a hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has been set up at Haryana’s Jind. The facility has received the license from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) for the storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas.

“A hydrogen compression system has been provided for refuelling operations, along with necessary technical support and critical spares to ensure reliable and fail-safe functioning. Provision of a standby compressor unit is also being ensured.

Various safety sensors, including hydrogen leak detectors and flame detectors installed at the hydrogen production, storage and dispensing facility, will be regularly inspected and cleaned to prevent dust accumulation and ensure safe operation,” the Railways said.

• India joins global hydrogen train race

With its launch, India will join a select group of countries, including Germany, Japan, China and the United States, that are exploring hydrogen-powered trains for cleaner rail transportation. Recently, Switzerland also unveiled a hydrogen train; however, it was developed for a narrow-gauge (NG) railway network.

Why Indian Railways is turning to hydrogen trains after electrifying most routes

Speaking to Indianexpress.com, Keshav Chandra, a former Railway Board Member said that Indian Railways is not switching away from electrification. He said that it is a parallel technology initiative that India cannot afford to miss.

“Hydrogen trains are not a replacement for the existing railway network or electric locomotives. India is developing high-speed rail technology with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. Similarly, hydrogen trains represent another emerging technology where India wants to remain involved and not fall behind globally,” he said.

The former Railway Board official added that the lesson is that emerging technologies take time to mature, but countries that invest early benefit when the technology expands.

“The same principle applies to hydrogen trains. The objective is not to replace the entire railway system or convert all route kms into hydrogen-powered tracks. It will initially remain limited to specific routes and applications where the technology makes economic and operational sense,” he said.