**Executive Summary**
On 17 July 2026, Indian Railways will inaugurate India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell-powered train on the Jind-Sonipat section of the Northern Railway. Developed as a pilot initiative under the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" vision, the project aims to validate clean propulsion technology and establish the infrastructure necessary for sustainable rail mobility. This transition supports the National Green Hydrogen Mission and India's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Technical Specifications**
* **Train Configuration:** A 10-car hydrogen fuel cell-based trainset consisting of two Hydrogen Driving Power Cars (DPCs) and eight Trailer Coaches (TCs).
* **Propulsion:** Powered by a 1200 kW hydrogen fuel cell system using Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) technology.
* **Performance:** Approved for a maximum operational speed of 75 kmph, with a design speed of 110 kmph.
* **Capacity:** Designed to transport approximately 2,600 passengers.
**Infrastructure and Refuelling**
* **Storage Facility:** India’s largest railway hydrogen storage and refuelling facility is established at Jind, Haryana, with a capacity to store nearly 3,000 kg of hydrogen.
* **Maintenance Base:** A dedicated maintenance facility has been prepared at Shakurbasti in Delhi.
* **Equipment:** The infrastructure includes hydrogen compression systems, standby compressors for uninterrupted refuelling, and critical technical spares.
**Safety and Certification**
* **Regulatory Compliance:** The facility is licensed by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) and adheres to ISO 19880 and NFPA-2 standards.
* **Third-Party Assessment:** The system underwent safety auditing by TÜV SÜD, Germany.
* **Monitoring Systems:** Features include 24x7 refuelling monitoring, hydrogen leak detectors, flame detectors, and automatic supply cut-off systems.
**Operational Route**
* **Section:** The train connects Jind Junction, Gohana Junction, and Sonipat.
* **Intermediate Halts:** Stops include Jind City, Pandu Pindara Junction, Lalit Khera Halt, Bhambhewa, Isapur Kheri Halt, Butane Halt, Khandrai Halt, Rabrah Halt, Lath Halt, Mohana, Barwasni Halt, and Sonipat New.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Railways and Technical Staff**
**Impact**
The project introduces a new era of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" technology, requiring a shift from fossil-fuel-based traction to hydrogen-powered systems.
**Action Required**
Trained and certified personnel must manage critical operations; technical staff are required to accompany the train during the initial phase and strictly follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
**Passengers and Local Commuters**
**Impact**
Commuters on the Jind-Sonipat section gain access to clean, energy-efficient transportation with a capacity of 2,600 passengers.
**Action Required**
No specific action required other than utilizing the new service at designated halts.
**Environmental and Regulatory Bodies**
**Impact**
The initiative validates the feasibility of zero-emission rail transport, producing only water vapor and heat as byproducts, thus supporting national net-zero goals.
**Action Required**
Continued monitoring of safety standards and technology validation to support wider adoption of hydrogen-powered mobility across the rail sector.
Key Entities Referenced
National Green Hydrogen Mission: The primary national framework that the hydrogen-powered train project supports to achieve net-zero carbon emission goals.
Research, Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO): The technical body responsible for the design approvals and specifications of India's first indigenous hydrogen train.
Jind, Haryana: The central geographic location for the project, encompassing the Jind-Sonipat operational section and the country's largest railway hydrogen storage facility.
Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO): The regulatory authority that granted the safety licenses for the storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas at the project site.
Atmanirbhar Bharat: The national initiative driving the indigenous design and development of the hydrogen-powered rail technology.
PIB Backgrounder
India's First Hydrogen-Powered Train: Advancing
Green Rail Mobility
प्रव तथ: 16 JUL 2026 12:37PM by PIB Delhi
The Hydrogen Rail Transition
Indian Railways is entering a new era of clean and sustainable transportation. Hydrogen fuel cell
technology has emerged globally as a promising alternative to fossil fuel-based traction systems. India's
first indigenous hydrogen-powered train marks an important step in adopting this next-generation
technology. It is a locomotive that generates its own electricity onboard using hydrogen. With the
inauguration on 17 July 2026, the hydrogen fuel cell-powered train is set to begin operations. It will run
on the Jind-Sonipat section of the Northern Railway. The project combines advanced propulsion
technology with dedicated hydrogen storage, refuelling and operational infrastructure. It will demonstrate
the feasibility of clean rail transportation in India. Developed as a pilot initiative, the project reflects
Indian Railways' commitment to innovation. It also advances energy efficiency and environmentally
responsible transportation.
With this, India joins a select group of countries exploring hydrogen-powered rail transportation. These
include Germany, Japan, China and the United States. As the technology remains at a nascent stage, the
project will provide valuable operational experience. This will support future applications of hydrogen-
powered mobility in the railway sector.
Inside India's First Hydrogen Train
The hydrogen train project has been developed in accordance with design approval and technical
specifications prepared by the Research, Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO). Designed and
developed entirely in India, the project demonstrates the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Key Features of the Hydrogen Powered Train on the Jind- Sonipat Section
10-car hydrogen fuel cell-based trainset.
Powered by a 1200 kW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system.
Approved to operate at a maximum speed of 75 kmph with a design speed of 110 kmph.
Capacity of Around 2,600 Passengers.
Developed from the design stage through prototype manufacturing.
It will connect Jind Junction, Gohana Junction and Sonipat while serving intermediate stations.
Proposed halts include Jind City, Pandu Pindara Junction, Lalit Khera Halt, Bhambhewa, Isapur
Kheri Halt, Butane Halt, Khandrai Halt, Rabrah Halt, Lath Halt, Mohana, Barwasni Halt and
Sonipat New.Technology Behind the Train
Hydrogen fuel cell technology produces electricity through a chemical reaction using hydrogen. The
primary energy source is a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). This is a fuel cell that
generates electricity by reacting hydrogen and oxygen across a proton-conducting Perfluorosulfonic Acid
(PFSA) polymer membrane. The process produces only water vapour and heat as byproducts. Hydrogen is
a high-energy fuel, 120 MJ/Kg (megajoules per kilogram) in comparison to diesel, which is 43 MJ/Kg. It
is low maintenance with a manageable carbon footprint. This makes hydrogen the cleanest propulsion
technology currently available for rail transport. To support this, Indian Railways has established
dedicated infrastructure.Hydrogen Infrastructure
The country's largest railway hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has been established at Jind,
Haryana. The indigenous facility stores nearly 3,000 kg of hydrogen at a time. It will support hydrogen-
powered train operations. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has granted the
required licence. The licence covers storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas at the site. The
hydrogen ecosystem has been designed in accordance with internationally accepted standards. This
includes NFPA-2 (National Fire Protection Association) and ISO (International Organisation for
Standardisation) 19880 Series. The entire system underwent an independent third-party safety assessment.
It was done by TÜV SÜD, Germany, one of the world's leading technical inspection and certification
agencies.
The train consists of two Hydrogen Driving Power Cars (DPCs) and eight Trailer Coaches (TCs).
Each DPC houses fuel cells, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and hydrogen storage cylinders. To
ensure reliable operations, the facility has been equipped with:
A hydrogen compression system for refuelling operations.
Technical support and critical spares for reliable functioning.
A standby compressor to ensure uninterrupted refuelling.
The integrated infrastructure supports safe and efficient hydrogen-powered rail operations.
Ensuring Safe Operations
Indian Railways has established a comprehensive operational and safety framework to support the
hydrogen train operations. Multiple independent safety systems continuously monitor, verify and protect
every stage of hydrogen storage, transfer and utilisation.
Operational Preparedness
Standard operating procedures, regular audits and prescribed safety provisions are in place.
The maintenance facility at Shakurbasti in Delhi has been prepared for hydrogen train operations.
Trained and certified personnel will manage critical operations.
Technical staff will accompany the train during the initial phase.
The hydrogen refuelling system will remain under 24×7 monitoring.Safety Measures
Hydrogen leak detectors have been installed at the production, storage and dispensing facilities.
Flame detectors have also been installed for continuous monitoring.
Safety sensors will undergo regular inspection and cleaning.
Non-stop ventilation keeps air moving through the train at all times.
If anything unusual is detected, like heat, flame or smoke, the system can automatically cut off the
hydrogen supply on its own.
The Loco Pilot’s cabin has been designed with a special mode that allows the train to be moved to
safety in an emergency.
A screen shows the real health of the whole system to the Loco Pilot at all times.
Inspection and maintenance schedules have been prescribed to ensure safe operations.
Towards Sustainable Rail Mobility
The hydrogen train represents more than the introduction of a new trainset. It establishes the systems,
infrastructure and institutional capacity needed for future hydrogen-powered rail operations. The project
helps validate technology, operating procedures and maintenance practices. It also strengthens the
technical capabilities required to support hydrogen-powered mobility at scale. It supports the National
Green Hydrogen Mission and net-zero carbon emission goals. With the continued modernisation of Indian
Railways, the initiative lays the foundation for wider adoption. The project represents an important step
towards building a more resilient transport system.
References
Ministry of Railways
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2201556®=48&lang=2
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2265781®=3&lang=1
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2285240®=48&lang=1
https://rdso.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/stat_econ/2024/Indian%20Railways%
20Annual%20Report%20%26%20Accounts%202022-23%20ENGLISH.pdf
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
https://www.facebook.com/inbministry/videos/indias-first-hydrogen-powered-train-is-set-to-redefine-rail-t
ravel-clean-green-a/813246554362679/
Click here to see pdf
PIB Research
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