India’s First Hydrogen Train Completes 6,000 Kilometres on Jind-Sonipat Route

India’s first hydrogen-powered train has reached a significant milestone by clocking approximately 6,000 kilometres of travel. Operating in Haryana, the 10-coach train emits only water vapour and heat as byproducts, providing a zero-emission alternative to conventional diesel passenger services.

What Happened

Flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s initial hydrogen-powered passenger train is currently running between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana. According to recent details from Indian Railways, the trainset has achieved around 6,000 kilometres in operational service. With an onboard capacity of 2,600 passengers across 10 coaches, it functions at a maximum operating speed of 75 kmph, although it is engineered to achieve speeds of up to 110 kmph.

Unlike many international hydrogen train models that operate with only two or three coaches, India’s configuration makes it the longest operational hydrogen train globally. Its 3,200 HP propulsion system also establishes it among the world’s most powerful hydrogen-powered trainsets.

Key Highlights

• Route and Operational Details: Operates between Jind and Sonipat with 10 coaches and a capacity for 2,600 travellers.
• Technical Capabilities: Features a 3,200 HP propulsion system, an operating speed of 75 kmph, and a designed top speed of 110 kmph.
• Emission Reductions: Displaced approximately 36,444 kg (around 36 tonnes) of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions over 6,000 kilometres, compared to standard diesel electric multiple units (DEMUs) that generate about 6.074 kg of CO2 equivalent per kilometre.
• Affordable Ticketing: Passenger fares match regular DEMU services, ranging between Rs 10 and Rs 25.
• Domestic Collaboration: Designed, engineered, and manufactured locally through a collaboration involving the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), Integral Coach Factory (ICF), and Medha.
• Ground Infrastructure: Daily fuel-cell running is maintained through an indigenously developed hydrogen storage and refuelling facility set up at Jind.

Why This Matters

While roughly 99 percent of the Indian railway network is already electrified, hydrogen power presents an important green alternative for areas where full electrification remains difficult to implement. Indian Railways envisions these trainsets as solutions for remote regions and heritage rail lines, such as the Kalka-Shimla route.

Hydrogen is regarded as the cleanest fuel available for traction because its fuel cells merge hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, releasing solely water vapour and heat. The operation forms part of India’s broader target to attain net-zero emissions by 2030, offering a functional template for running cleaner services without increasing ticket costs for the public.

What to Watch Next

With the initial commercial operation underway in Haryana, attention moves toward the deployment of hydrogen-powered services on remote and heritage tracks such as Kalka-Shimla. Continuous evaluation will show how hydrogen fuel infrastructure supports wider adoption across non-electrified routes as part of the 2030 net-zero targets.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does India’s hydrogen train work?

The train relies on onboard fuel cells that generate electricity for traction by combining hydrogen with oxygen. The only byproducts created during this process are water vapour and heat, avoiding direct carbon emissions.

What route does the hydrogen train currently run on?

The train runs between Jind and Sonipat in the state of Haryana, supported by a dedicated hydrogen refuelling and storage facility located at Jind.

How much do tickets cost for the hydrogen train?

Passengers do not pay higher rates for this technology; fares are kept at the standard DEMU tier, ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 25.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com