Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to flag off India's first hydrogen-powered train from Jind in Haryana on July 17, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to introduce cleaner technologies in rail transport. Commercial operations will commence after the inauguration, with the train initially operating on the Jind-Sonipat section of the Northern Railway as a pilot project.
The hydrogen-powered train will operate two round trips daily between Jind and Sonipat, covering a total distance of 356 km every day. Each one-way journey will span 89 km. The train has a seating capacity of 682 passengers and can accommodate around 2,600 passengers in total.
The project places India among a select group of countries experimenting with hydrogen fuel cell technology for rail transport, offering a cleaner alternative to conventional diesel-powered trains.
Unlike diesel locomotives, the new train is powered by a 1,200 kW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system. Instead of burning fossil fuels, hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The only direct emission from the process is water vapour, making the technology environmentally friendly and suitable for railway routes that are yet to be fully electrified.
The hydrogen-powered train is expected to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, lower air pollution compared to diesel locomotives and provide a sustainable transport solution without requiring complete railway electrification.
To support operations, Indian Railways has developed dedicated hydrogen production, storage and refuelling infrastructure. The project also includes specialised safety measures such as hydrogen leak detectors and flame detection systems, which will be regularly monitored to ensure safe operation of the service.
Indian Railways has sanctioned Rs 111.83 crore for the pilot project. The funding covers the conversion of a Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) into a hydrogen-powered train, along with the creation of hydrogen production, storage, refuelling facilities and other supporting infrastructure.
The pilot service is expected to provide valuable operational data and practical experience for future hydrogen-powered railway projects in India. If found to be reliable and commercially viable, hydrogen fuel cell trains could play an important role in India's transition towards cleaner and more sustainable public transport alongside ongoing railway electrification.
With the launch of the project, India joins countries such as Germany, Japan, China and the United States in exploring the use of hydrogen fuel cell technology for railway transportation.