SRINAGAR: In a significant move towards sustainable transportation, Indian Railways has approved the introduction of a 10-car hydrogen fuel cell-based trainset on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway in Haryana.
The trainset, expected to commence operations soon, will run at a maximum speed of 89 kilometres per hour and will be powered by a 1200 KW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology produces electricity through a chemical reaction using hydrogen, with water vapour as the only emission, making it a clean alternative to conventional fossil fuel-powered traction systems.
With the initiative, India joins a select group of countries, including Germany, Japan, China and the United States, that are exploring hydrogen-powered rail transport as part of sustainable mobility solutions.
The Jind-Sonipat rail section in Haryana has been identified as the pilot route for the project. An indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has already been established at Jind. The required licence for storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas has been granted by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
Officials said a hydrogen compression system has been installed for refuelling operations along with critical spares and technical support systems to ensure reliable and fail-safe functioning. A standby compressor unit is also being arranged.
Safety systems, including hydrogen leak detectors and flame detectors, have been installed at the hydrogen production, storage and dispensing facility. These systems will undergo regular inspection and maintenance to ensure safe operations.
Operation and maintenance manuals for the hydrogen trainset and hydrogen plant, approved by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), are also being provided. Necessary safety protocols, audits and standard operating procedures are being implemented at the proposed maintenance facility at Shakurbasti.
The approval mandates round-the-clock monitoring of the hydrogen refuelling system, deployment of trained and certified personnel and periodic inspection and maintenance schedules. During the initial phase, trained technical staff will accompany the train during operations.
Indian Railways said the project reflects its broader commitment to innovation, energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable transportation, while supporting India’s clean energy and net-zero carbon emission goals.
