India's first hydrogen-powered train is set to make its inaugural run on July 17, marking a significant milestone in the country's push for green transportation. The 10-coach hydrogen fuel cell DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) has been developed by Indian Railways and features two Driving Power Cars (DPCs) and eight passenger coaches.
Technical specifications and features
The train operates on hydrogen fuel cells, which generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapor as a byproduct. This makes it a zero-emission vehicle, aligning with India's goal to reduce carbon footprint in the transport sector. According to railway officials, the train can achieve a top speed of 110 km/h and has a range of approximately 800 kilometers on a full tank of hydrogen.
Development and testing
The project was initiated as part of Indian Railways' plan to introduce 35 hydrogen-powered trains by 2030. The train underwent extensive trials on the Jind-Sonipat section in Haryana, where it successfully completed multiple test runs. “The train has performed exceptionally well during trials, and we are confident it will revolutionize rail travel in India,” said a senior railway official.
Impact and future plans
The introduction of hydrogen trains is expected to reduce dependence on diesel and lower operational costs. Indian Railways currently spends over ₹30,000 crore annually on diesel fuel. The hydrogen-powered train will initially operate on heritage and tourist routes, with plans to expand to other routes based on performance and infrastructure development. The government has also announced the establishment of hydrogen production and refueling stations along key railway corridors.
The inaugural run on July 17 will cover a 90-kilometer stretch from Jind to Sonipat, carrying invited guests and media. Commercial operations are expected to begin later this year after regulatory approvals.
