Indian Railways on 28 May 2026 cleared commercial operation of India first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell powered train on the 89 kilometre Jind to Sonipat section of Northern Railway in Haryana, marking a major step in the country green mobility transition under the National Hydrogen Mission. The 10 coach broad gauge trainset, designed by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation Lucknow and manufactured by Integral Coach Factory Chennai, is the world longest and most powerful hydrogen rail formation, fitted with a 1200 kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system that converts compressed hydrogen and atmospheric oxygen into electricity, emitting only water vapour. The train can attain a top speed of 75 kilometres per hour and carry over 2638 passengers per service, with eight passenger coaches and two power cars housing the fuel cells, lithium ion batteries and hydrogen cylinders. An indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has been set up at Jind, with hydrogen sourced through electrolysis using renewable energy to ensure a near zero carbon footprint. The Commissioner of Railway Safety has issued the operations sanction subject to comprehensive safety protocols including 24x7 monitoring of the hydrogen refuelling system, leak detection sensors across the rake and trained technical staff accompanying the train during initial runs. With this clearance, India joins Germany, Japan, China and the United States in operating hydrogen powered passenger rail and advances its commitment to reach Net Zero emissions in railway operations by 2030. The Ministry of Railways plans to extend the technology to the Sonipat to Jakhal, Pathankot to Jogindernagar, Bilaspur to Manali, Marwar to Devgarh Madariya and Mhow to Sanawad heritage and short distance routes in the next phase.
Indian Railways Clears Operation of Country First Indigenous Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powered Train on the Jind to Sonipat Section of Northern Railway in Haryana on 28 May 2026 With a 1200 Kilowatt Propulsion System a Ten Coach Broad Gauge Trainset Developed by Research Designs and Standards Organisation and Built by Integral Coach Factory Chennai a Top Speed of 75 Kilometres Per Hour an Indigenous Hydrogen Storage and Refuelling Facility at Jind and Mandated 24x7 Safety Monitoring
Indian Railways on 28 May 2026 cleared the commercial operation of India first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell powered train on the Jind to Sonipat section in Haryana, featuring a 1200 kilowatt propulsion system, a 10 coach broad gauge trainset designed by RDSO and built by ICF Chennai, top speed of 75 kmph and a dedicated hydrogen refuelling facility at Jind.
Key facts
- Indian Railways on 28 May 2026 cleared commercial operations of country first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell powered train on the Jind to Sonipat section of Northern Railway in Haryana
- The 10 coach broad gauge trainset is designed by Research Designs and Standards Organisation Lucknow and manufactured by Integral Coach Factory Chennai with a 1200 kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system
- The train can attain a top speed of 75 kilometres per hour and carry more than 2638 passengers per service emitting only water vapour as a byproduct
- An indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has been set up at Jind with hydrogen sourced through electrolysis using renewable energy
- Commissioner of Railway Safety has mandated 24x7 monitoring leak detection sensors and trained technical staff during initial operations
- India joins Germany Japan China and the United States as the fifth country to operate hydrogen powered passenger rail under the National Hydrogen Mission and Net Zero 2030 target
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With reference to India first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell powered train cleared by Indian Railways on 28 May 2026, consider the following statements:\n1. The train will operate on the Jind to Sonipat section of Northern Railway in Haryana with a 1200 kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system.\n2. The 10 coach broad gauge trainset has been designed by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation Lucknow and manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory Chennai.\nWhich of the statements given above is/are correct?
Both statements are correct. The hydrogen fuel cell powered train was cleared for operation on the Jind to Sonipat section of Northern Railway in Haryana with a 1200 kW propulsion system, designed by RDSO Lucknow and manufactured by ICF Chennai. The trainset is the world longest and most powerful hydrogen rail formation.
Frequently asked questions
Which section of Indian Railways will operate India first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell powered train?
The Jind to Sonipat section of Northern Railway in Haryana, an 89 kilometre stretch, will operate India first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell powered train cleared by Indian Railways on 28 May 2026.
Who designed and manufactured the hydrogen train?
The 10 coach broad gauge hydrogen trainset was designed by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) Lucknow and manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) Chennai.
What is the top speed and propulsion capacity of the train?
The hydrogen train operates on a 1200 kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system and can attain a top speed of 75 kilometres per hour.
Which countries have already operated hydrogen powered rail before India?
Germany, Japan, China and the United States operated hydrogen powered passenger rail before India, making India the fifth country to commission such a system.
How does the hydrogen train support India climate goals?
The train emits only water vapour, uses hydrogen produced through electrolysis from renewable energy, and supports the National Hydrogen Mission and Indian Railways Net Zero 2030 target.
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