Indian Railways has completed manufacturing of India’s first hydrogen-powered train-set, a major milestone in the country’s transition to cleaner transport solutions. Developed as a pilot project under specifications framed by the Research, Design and Standards Organization, the initiative aims to demonstrate hydrogen traction technology on the national rail network for the first time. The project represents a state-of-the-art effort to align Indian Railways with global advances in sustainable mobility.

To fuel the new train-set, a dedicated green hydrogen production plant is being established at Jind. The plant generates hydrogen through the electrolysis process, which is a defining component of green hydrogen generation. This ensures that both the train and its fuel system operate on a low-carbon pathway, with water vapour as the only emission.

India’s longest and most powerful hydrogen train-set

The hydrogen train-set embodies several notable engineering achievements. Designed and developed entirely in India, it reflects the national commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat and indigenous technology advancement. It is currently the world’s longest hydrogen train-set on a broad-gauge platform with ten coaches, and also the most powerful, offering 2,400 kW of traction power, according to a statement from Press Information Bureau.

The configuration includes two Driving Power Cars of 1,200 kW each, supported by eight passenger coaches. The design ensures zero CO₂ emissions, relying solely on hydrogen fuel cells that emit only water vapour as a by-product. The project is regarded as a significant step towards next-generation fuel technology in Indian Railways, marking progress not only in rolling-stock innovation but also in the supporting hydrogen infrastructure.

The initiative required end-to-end development — from conceptual design and prototype manufacturing to the creation of hydrogen traction technology, which is being used by Indian Railways for the first time. Since the train-set and its fuelling systems have been developed as a pilot project, direct cost comparisons with established electric or diesel traction systems are not considered appropriate at this stage.

Overall, the hydrogen train-set is a strong demonstration of Indian Railways’ commitment to adopting alternative energy systems. By enabling zero-emission operations and pioneering hydrogen-based mobility, the project lays the foundation for a cleaner, greener future in India’s transportation sector.

Source: 

https://www.projectsmonitor.com/daily-wire/manufacturing-of-indias-first-hydrogen-powered-train-set-completed-green-hydrogen-production-plant-based-on-electrolysis-process-being-established-at-jind/