India has introduced a hydrogen-powered train pilot project on an 89-kilometer route between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana, aiming to advance its clean transportation initiatives. RT reported that this development places India alongside Germany, Japan, the US, and China as the only countries operating hydrogen fuel cell trains.
The new train service features ten cars, including two hydrogen-fueled driving units and eight passenger coaches, accommodating up to 2,600 travelers. Capable of reaching speeds of 75 kilometers per hour during regular operation and up to 110 kph, it stands as the largest hydrogen-powered train currently in use worldwide.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the inauguration ceremony on Friday and described the launch as "a major leap towards green mobility" via his social media platform, X. The train uses fuel-cell technology that converts hydrogen into electricity through an electrochemical process, producing only water vapor and heat as byproducts, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to diesel-powered trains.
While hydrogen trains are less energy efficient compared to direct-electric trains that rely on overhead wires or third rails, they offer faster refueling times compared to battery-electric trains. The pilot project includes the construction of hydrogen storage and refueling infrastructure to support operations.
With India’s extensive railway network spanning 115,000 kilometers, hydrogen trains present a practical solution for routes where electrification is either not feasible or economically viable. The environmental benefits are maximized when hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources, a strategy India is actively pursuing.
Why this matters
The deployment of hydrogen-powered trains marks a significant step in India's commitment to sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions. This technology could play a crucial role in modernizing vast railway sectors that have yet to be electrified, helping India meet its climate goals while addressing the mobility needs of its large population.
India's entry into the small group of nations operating hydrogen trains highlights the growing global shift towards cleaner energy alternatives in public transit systems.
Germany pioneered hydrogen passenger trains with Alstom’s Coradia iLint, which began commercial service in 2018 and demonstrated long-distance capabilities with a 1,175-kilometer trip without refueling in 2022.
