India's First Hydrogen-Powered Train-PIB

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to flag off India’s first indigenously designed hydrogen-powered passenger train from Jind, Haryana. 

What is a Hydrogen-Powered Train?
A hydrogen-powered train is a train that generates electricity onboard through hydrogen fuel cells. In the fuel cell, hydrogen reacts with oxygen to produce electricity, which powers the train’s motors. The process releases only water vapour and heat, making it a clean alternative to diesel-powered trains.

Significance

• Marks Indian Railways’ shift towards clean and sustainable transportation.
• Generates electricity onboard through hydrogen fuel-cell technology.
• Designed and developed entirely in India under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Developed according to specifications prepared by RDSO.

Key Features

• Route: Jind–Gohana–Sonipat section in Haryana.
• Train composition: 10 coaches—2 Driving Power Cars and 8 Trailer Coaches.
• Propulsion system: 1,200 kW hydrogen fuel-cell system.
• Operational speed: Maximum approved speed of 75 kmph; design speed of 110 kmph.
• Passenger capacity: Around 2,600 passengers.
• It will serve Jind, Gohana, Sonipat and several intermediate stations.

Technology

• Uses a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC).
• Hydrogen reacts with oxygen to generate electricity.
• Produces only water vapour and heat as by-products.
• Each power car contains fuel cells, LFP batteries and hydrogen-storage cylinders.

Hydrogen Infrastructure

• India’s largest railway hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has been established at Jind, Haryana.
• Storage capacity: Nearly 3,000 kg of hydrogen.
• Licensed by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
• Designed according to NFPA-2 and ISO 19880 standards.
• Independently assessed for safety by TÜV SÜD, Germany.