May 27, 2026
India approves first hydrogen-powered train for Northern Railway route
India’s Railway Ministry has approved the operation of the country’s first hydrogen-powered train on the Jind–Sonipat section under the Northern Railway zone. The 10-coach DEMU train is designed to reach speeds of up to 75 km/h.
 
The train will use hydrogen fuel cells instead of diesel or conventional electric traction. It will have a total power capacity of 1,200 kW and will operate using Distributed Power Rolling Stock technology, where power systems are spread across multiple coaches rather than concentrated in a single locomotive.
 
The project received technical clearance from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation and passed safety inspections conducted by the Commissioner of Railway Safety.
 
The ministry also emphasized safety measures for hydrogen infrastructure, including regular maintenance of leak and flame detection sensors installed at hydrogen production, storage and refuelling facilities.
 
Passenger operations have not yet started, as additional compliance checks and verification procedures are still ongoing.
 
Source: BioEnergy Times
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