Railway Board Approves India's First Hydrogen Train

01 Jun 2026 CW Team

The train set is described as the world's longest at 10 coaches on the broad gauge platform and the most powerful, with two driving power cars of 1,200 kilowatt (kW) each, giving a combined output of 2,400 kW. It comprises two driving power cars and eight passenger cars. The configuration has been detailed in the board communication as a hydrogen fuel cell-based formation.

Oscillation trials on the set were completed in March, with the Research Designs and Standards Organisation conducting tests as part of the evaluation process. The rolling stock has been cleared only for operations on the dedicated Jind-Sonipat section, while scheduled maintenance has been planned at Shakurbasti depot. Permission for movement of the train set from Jind to Shakurbasti and back in a dead condition, hauled by a locomotive, must be ensured in accordance with extant codal provisions.

The board communication outlined operational limits, including maximum speed and specific movement authorisations, and noted that maintenance arrangements are in place. With the introduction into commercial service, India will join countries already operating hydrogen-powered trains such as Germany, Sweden, Japan and China. The advance places a new technology on the national network, signalling a move towards low-emission traction options.

The train set is intended to emit no carbon dioxide in normal operation, with only water vapour as exhaust, according to the documentation. Further deployment beyond the sanctioned section will require separate clearances and maintenance planning before any extension of operations is authorised.

The Railway Board has approved the introduction of the country's first hydrogen-powered train set in a letter dated 22 May 2026 to the Research Designs and Standards Organisation and Northern Railway. The sanction covers a 10-car hydrogen train set and specifies operation at a maximum speed of 75 kmph on the Jind-Sonipat section of the Delhi division. The approval followed an application submitted on 16 March 2026 through the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety. The train set is described as the world's longest at 10 coaches on the broad gauge platform and the most powerful, with two driving power cars of 1,200 kilowatt (kW) each, giving a combined output of 2,400 kW. It comprises two driving power cars and eight passenger cars. The configuration has been detailed in the board communication as a hydrogen fuel cell-based formation. Oscillation trials on the set were completed in March, with the Research Designs and Standards Organisation conducting tests as part of the evaluation process. The rolling stock has been cleared only for operations on the dedicated Jind-Sonipat section, while scheduled maintenance has been planned at Shakurbasti depot. Permission for movement of the train set from Jind to Shakurbasti and back in a dead condition, hauled by a locomotive, must be ensured in accordance with extant codal provisions. The board communication outlined operational limits, including maximum speed and specific movement authorisations, and noted that maintenance arrangements are in place. With the introduction into commercial service, India will join countries already operating hydrogen-powered trains such as Germany, Sweden, Japan and China. The advance places a new technology on the national network, signalling a move towards low-emission traction options. The train set is intended to emit no carbon dioxide in normal operation, with only water vapour as exhaust, according to the documentation. Further deployment beyond the sanctioned section will require separate clearances and maintenance planning before any extension of operations is authorised.

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