Indian Railways Approves India’s First Indigenous Hydrogen Fuel Cell Train

New Delhi, May 27 (KNN) Indian Railways has approved the introduction of an indigenous hydrogen fuel cell-based trainset on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway, marking India’s entry into a group of countries exploring hydrogen-powered rail transportation for cleaner mobility solutions. 

The 10-car train, powered by a 1200 KW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system, is expected to begin operations soon and will run at a maximum speed of 75 kmph.

Hydrogen fuel cell technology generates electricity through a chemical reaction using hydrogen, with water vapour as the only emission. 

Railway officials said the project is aimed at supporting environmentally sustainable transportation and reducing dependence on conventional fossil fuel-based traction systems. 

Countries including Germany, Japan, China and the United States are also exploring or operating hydrogen-based rail systems.

The Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana has been selected as the pilot corridor for the project. An indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has been established at Jind, with the required licence for storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas granted by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).

Railways officials said the facility includes a hydrogen compression system for refuelling operations, technical support infrastructure and critical spare systems, including a standby compressor unit. 

Safety mechanisms such as hydrogen leak detectors and flame detectors have also been installed at the hydrogen production, storage and dispensing facility.

Approved operation and maintenance manuals for the hydrogen trainset and hydrogen plant have been prepared by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO). 

Safety provisions, regular audits and standard operating procedures are also being implemented at the proposed maintenance facility at Shakurbasti.

The approval mandates round-the-clock monitoring of the hydrogen refuelling system, deployment of trained personnel for critical operations and periodic inspection and maintenance schedules. 

During the initial phase of operations, trained technical staff will accompany the train to monitor system performance and ensure operational safety.

The project is part of Indian Railways’ broader efforts to improve energy efficiency and support India’s clean energy and net-zero carbon emission objectives.

(KNN Bureau)