India Railways Approves First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trainset for Green Mobility Push

New Delhi, May 2026 : In a significant move towards sustainable and clean transportation, Indian Railways has approved the introduction of a 10-car hydrogen fuel cell-based trainset on the Jind–Sonipat section under Northern Railway, marking a major step in India’s green mobility initiative.

According to a statement issued by the Railway Ministry on Wednesday, the hydrogen-powered train is expected to commence operations shortly and will run at a maximum speed of 75 kmph, using a 1,200 KW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system.

With this development, India joins a select group of countries including Germany, Japan, China, and the United States that are actively experimenting with hydrogen-based rail technology. However, officials noted that the technology is still in its early stages globally, with only limited deployment and testing worldwide.

Hydrogen fuel cell technology works by generating electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapour as emissions. This makes it a clean alternative to diesel and other fossil fuel-based railway propulsion systems, aligning with global efforts to decarbonise transport.

The Jind–Sonipat section in Haryana has been selected as the pilot route for the project. An indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has been established at Jind to support operations. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has granted the required licence for the safe storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas at the site.

Officials said a dedicated hydrogen compression system has been installed for refuelling operations, along with essential technical support infrastructure and critical spare components to ensure uninterrupted and safe functioning. A standby compressor has also been provided as a backup to enhance operational reliability.

To ensure safety, multiple sensors including hydrogen leak detectors and flame detection systems have been installed at the production, storage, and dispensing facility. These systems will undergo regular inspection and cleaning to prevent dust accumulation and ensure safe and efficient performance.

The Railway Ministry added that detailed operation and maintenance manuals for both the hydrogen trainset and the hydrogen production plant—approved by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO)—have been prepared and will be strictly followed.

The government has also put in place strict safety protocols for the maintenance facility at Shakurbasti, including regular audits, standard operating procedures, and continuous monitoring mechanisms.

The approval mandates 24×7 monitoring of hydrogen refuelling operations, deployment of trained and certified personnel for critical tasks, and routine inspection schedules. During the initial operational phase, trained technical staff will accompany the train to ensure safety and smooth performance.

Officials said the initiative reflects the national transporter’s broader vision of innovation, energy efficiency, and environmentally sustainable transport solutions. It also aligns with India’s long-term commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions and strengthening its clean energy transition.

With this pilot project, Indian Railways aims to evaluate the performance and feasibility of hydrogen-based traction technology under real operating conditions, potentially paving the way for wider adoption in the future.