India's first hydrogen-powered train successfully completed its oscillation trial runs in late March 2026, marking a historic milestone in India's green railway transformation. Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the successful completion of the trials conducted by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO).
The hydrogen train, fully designed and manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai — a premier production unit under Indian Railways — will run between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana, a 90-kilometre non-electrified stretch under Northern Railway. The choice of an un-electrified section makes it an ideal testing ground for clean alternatives to diesel traction.
During the oscillation trials, the hydrogen train covered a total distance of 20 kilometres at a maximum speed of 70 kilometres per hour. The train's fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapour as exhaust — zero carbon emissions. Once commercially operational, the train is designed to reach speeds up to 110 kmph.
The trainset comprises 10 coaches — 8 passenger coaches and 2 Driving Power Cars — with a combined output of 2,400 kW. A dedicated hydrogen production plant has been set up at Jind to ensure a dedicated supply of green hydrogen for operations.
This development is significant for Rajasthan as well: Indian Railways has identified several non-electrified routes in Rajasthan — including remote sections in western and southern Rajasthan — as potential candidates for hydrogen train deployment, aligning with the state's renewable energy push.
The project aligns with India's National Hydrogen Mission, the Hydrogen Policy 2022, and India's commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2070. It positions India alongside Germany, Sweden, Japan, and China as a nation deploying hydrogen trains at scale.