Haryana is on track to become the launchpad for India’s first hydrogen-powered train, with preparations entering the final stage for the pilot run between Jind and Sonipat. The project, being executed by Northern Railway, is expected to mark a major shift towards cleaner and greener rail transport in the country.
According to a statement issued by the Haryana government on Tuesday, all key infrastructure elements required for the project are nearing completion. A dedicated 11 kV power supply has been secured for the hydrogen plant set up in Jind, ensuring uninterrupted fuel production during both the final commissioning phase and regular train operations.
Power readiness and infrastructure push
The hydrogen plant developed specifically for this project has a storage capacity of 3,000 kilograms and is currently undergoing final commissioning. The availability of stable power is crucial, as the facility will continuously supply hydrogen fuel required for the train’s operations.
Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi recently reviewed the project’s progress during a meeting with officials from Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN). He instructed the power utility to conduct regular system reviews to avoid any disruptions and stressed the need for robust backup arrangements and quick-response mechanisms to keep the project on schedule.
Railways’ green hydrogen pilot
The hydrogen train project had earlier been highlighted at the national level. Last month, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, said Indian Railways has taken up the initiative as a pilot project to showcase hydrogen-based propulsion technology.
“Manufacturing of the Hydrogen Train-set has been completed. For providing hydrogen for use in this train-set, a hydrogen plant has been conceived at Jind. In this plant, hydrogen is being produced using electrolysis process, which is a key element of green hydrogen generation,” Vaishnaw had said.
He also noted that the train’s operation is aligned with specifications framed by the Research, Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO) to demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of hydrogen-powered rail technology in India.
Key features of India’s first hydrogen train
The hydrogen-powered train has been designed with several advanced features aimed at efficiency, sustainability, and passenger comfort. It is capable of covering up to 10 times the distance of conventional electric trains and can travel 180 km using just 360 kg of hydrogen.
The train will operate with power engines installed at both ends, ensuring balanced performance. It will have eight passenger coaches, equipped with essential facilities such as fans, lights, and air-conditioning. Designed on metro-style lines, each coach will feature two doors on either side to allow smooth entry and exit. One of its standout advantages is near-silent operation, promising a quieter and more comfortable travel experience.
Once operational, the project is expected to serve as a blueprint for expanding hydrogen-powered trains across non-electrified routes in India, reinforcing Indian Railways’ push towards cleaner mobility solutions.