**Executive Summary**
Indian Railways has approved the introduction of India’s first indigenous 10-car Hydrogen Fuel Cell-based trainset to operate on the Jind-Sonipat section of the Northern Railway. Powered by a 1200 KW engine with a maximum speed of 75 kmph, the project marks India's entry into an elite group of nations utilizing hydrogen technology for sustainable rail operations. The initiative includes the establishment of specialized refueling and maintenance infrastructure to support national net-zero carbon emission goals.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Technical Specifications and Route**
* The trainset consists of 10 cars powered by a 1200 KW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system.
* The operational maximum speed is set at 75 kmph.
* The Jind-Sonipat section in Haryana has been designated as the pilot route for these operations.
**Infrastructure and Licensing**
* An indigenous hydrogen storage and refueling facility has been established at Jind.
* The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has licensed the site for storing and dispensing compressed hydrogen gas.
* A dedicated maintenance facility is proposed at Shakurbasti, utilizing RDSO-approved operation and maintenance manuals.
**Safety and Operational Protocols**
* The hydrogen refueling system requires 24x7 monitoring to ensure safety.
* Facilities are equipped with hydrogen leak detectors and flame detectors that must be regularly inspected and cleaned.
* System reliability is supported by a hydrogen compression system, a standby compressor unit, and a stock of critical spares.
* Standard operating procedures (SOPs) and regular safety audits are mandated for all maintenance and production facilities.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Railways / Northern Railway**
**Impact**
The organization transitions toward green transportation, aligning with national net-zero goals and joining a select group of advanced nations using hydrogen rail technology.
**Action Required**
Oversee the implementation of the pilot route, ensure the availability of RDSO-approved manuals, and manage the 24x7 monitoring of infrastructure.
**Technical and Operational Personnel**
**Impact**
There is a shift in required expertise toward hydrogen fuel cell technology and high-pressure gas handling.
**Action Required**
Only trained and certified personnel must be deployed for critical operations. Technical staff are required to accompany the train during its initial phase of operations to ensure smooth functioning.
**Regulatory and Safety Bodies (PESO/RDSO)**
**Impact**
These bodies serve as the primary authorities for safety validation and technical standardization of the new technology.
**Action Required**
PESO must oversee licensing for storage and dispensing, while RDSO is responsible for approving maintenance manuals and ensuring compliance through regular audits and safety inspections.
Key Entities Referenced
Indian Railways: The primary agency responsible for approving and implementing the introduction of India's first indigenous Hydrogen Fuel Cell-based trainset.
Jind-Sonipat section, Haryana: The specific pilot route identified for the operation and testing of the first hydrogen-powered rail system.
Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO): The regulatory body that granted the license for the storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas for the train operations.
RDSO (Research Designs and Standards Organisation): The technical organization that approved the operation and maintenance manuals for the hydrogen train-set and production plant.
Northern Railway: The specific railway zone under which the dedicated Jind-Sonipat section is managed and operated.
Ministry of Railways
Greener & More Energy Efficient; First Indigenous
Hydrogen Train All Set to Start
10-Car Train with 1200 KW Engine Approved by Indian
Railways to Operate at a Maximum Speed of 75 kmph on
Jind-Sonipat Section
With this, India Joins Elite Club of Nations Using Hydrogen
Fuel Cell Technology to Power Clean and Sustainable Rail
Operations
Posted On: 27 MAY 2026 2:20PM by PIB Delhi
In a major step towards green and sustainable transportation, Indian Railways has approved the
introduction of a 10-car Hydrogen Fuel Cell-based trainset on the dedicated Jind-Sonipat section of
Northern Railway. The trainset is all set to start soon and will operate at a maximum speed of 75 kmph,
powered by a 1200 KW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system.Hydrogen fuel cell technology generates electricity through a chemical reaction using hydrogen, with
water vapour as the only emission, making it a clean alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based traction
systems. Hydrogen-based rail systems are increasingly being recognised globally as a promising solution
for sustainable mobility. With this initiative, India joins a select group of countries such as Germany,
Japan, China and the United States that are exploring the use of hydrogen for cleaner rail transportation.
As the technology is still at a nascent stage, only a limited number of countries are currently operating or
testing such systems.
The Jind-Sonipat section in Haryana has been identified as the pilot route for these operations. An indigen
ous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has been set up at Jind for the train-set. The Petroleum and
Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has granted the required licence for storage and dispensing of
compressed hydrogen gas at the site.
A hydrogen compression system has been provided for refuelling operations, along with necessary
technical support and critical spares to ensure reliable and fail-safe functioning. Provision of a standby
compressor unit is also being ensured. Various safety sensors, including hydrogen leak detectors and flame
detectors installed at the hydrogen production, storage and dispensing facility, will be regularly inspected
and cleaned to prevent dust accumulation and ensure safe operation.
Operation and maintenance manuals for the hydrogen train-set and hydrogen plant, duly approved by
RDSO, are also being made available. Necessary safety provisions, regular audits and standard operating
procedures are being ensured for the proposed maintenance facility at Shakurbasti.The approval also mandates comprehensive safety and operational protocols, including 24x7 monitoring
of the hydrogen refuelling system, deployment of trained and certified personnel for critical operations,
and regular inspection and maintenance schedules. During the initial phase of operations, trained technical
staff will accompany the train to ensure smooth functioning.
The project reflects Indian Railways' broader commitment to innovation, energy efficiency and
environmentally sustainable transportation and supports India's national clean energy and net-zero carbon
emission goals.
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Dharmendra Tewari/ Dr. Nayan Solanki/ Ritu Raj/ Manik Sharma
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