From Diesel to Dream: India's First Hydrogen Train on Track

Indian Railways has successfully conducted trial runs of its first hydrogen-powered coach, also known as a driving power car, at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, marking a significant milestone toward launching the country’s first hydrogen-fuelled train.

This initiative is part of Indian Railways' broader push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward cleaner, renewable energy solutions. Spearheaded by the Northern Railway zone, the ₹136 crore project was launched in 2020–21 and comprises two key components:

Converting two 1,600 HP diesel power cars into hydrogen fuel cell-powered units

Setting up a hydrogen storage and fuelling station in Jind, Haryana, with a 3,000 kg storage capacity

The Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO) is currently in the final stages of validating the hydrogen fuel technology, which remains a complex and emerging area. The project aims to retrofit diesel-electric multiple units (DEMUs) into a 10-coach hydrogen train with the capacity to carry over 2,600 passengers.

Once deployed, the hydrogen-powered train will operate between Jind and Sonepat in Haryana, completing two round-trips daily over a distance of 356 km. Each retrofitted power car will store 220 kg of hydrogen in high-pressure cylinders, necessitating extensive safety protocols due to hydrogen’s flammable nature.

This pilot project represents a pivotal step in India’s journey toward sustainable rail transport, with potential to significantly cut carbon emissions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.