India is developing the world’s most powerful hydrogen-powered freight locomotive, with a propulsion system capable of about 3,100 horsepower, marking a historic breakthrough in sustainable heavy-duty rail transport.
Concord Control Systems Limited (CNCRD), through its wholly owned subsidiary Advance Rail Controls Pvt. Ltd (ARCPL), has secured a ₹47 crore order from NTPC Limited to build this hydrogen-fuelled locomotive propulsion system, representing the highest-ever horsepower conversion of a conventional diesel locomotive to hydrogen technology globally.
The project will retrofit a conventional locomotive with hydrogen-based propulsion, positioning India at the forefront of clean rail innovation. By more than doubling the previous hydrogen rail power benchmark of around 1,600 HP, this initiative underscores hydrogen’s viability as an alternative to diesel for heavy freight operations.
Designed as a commercially deployable freight-scale solution, the locomotive aims to demonstrate hydrogen’s real-world performance and help rail operators reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The development aligns with India’s broader push toward net-zero goals and sustainable mobility solutions in the transportation sector.
Experts say this project could pave the way for future hydrogen rail systems worldwide, reinforcing India’s leadership in next-generation rail technology and clean energy adoption.
