India’s first hydrogen-powered train has successfully completed its oscillation trial run, conducted by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) as part of its evaluation. Once it enters commercial service, India will join a select group of countries—including Germany, Sweden, Japan, and China—that operate hydrogen trains.
The train will run on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana. Developed by the Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF), it represents a major step toward cleaner and greener rail transport in India.
In a written statement to the Rajya Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the project involved everything from initial design to prototype manufacturing, marking the first hydrogen traction development by Indian Railways (IR). The trainset is now fully manufactured.
Vaishnaw emphasized that the initiative reflects IR’s commitment to alternative energy-powered rail travel, supporting a cleaner future and advancing the railways’ net-zero carbon emission goals. A dedicated hydrogen production plant has also been established at Jind to supply fuel, with hydrogen generated via electrolysis as part of green hydrogen production.
Key features of the Jind–Sonipat hydrogen train include:
- World’s longest broad-gauge hydrogen train at 10 coaches
- Most powerful hydrogen train on broad gauge with 2400 kW (two 1200 kW Driving Power Cars plus eight passenger coaches)
- Zero CO2 emissions; only output is water vapor
- Marks a major advancement in next-generation fuel technology for Indian Railways
