India's Hydrogen-Powered Train has Achieved a Major Milestone; Covered around 6,000 km,

India's first hydrogen-powered train has achieved a major milestone soon after its launch. Flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month, the train has already covered around 6,000 km, according to the latest information from Indian Railways. With a power capacity of 2,400 kW, it is currently the world's most powerful hydrogen-powered train.

India's Hydrogen-Powered Train

The train operates between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana and has 10 coaches with a passenger capacity of around 2,600 people. Its maximum operating speed is 75 kmph, although it has been designed to reach speeds of up to 110 kmph. The train uses hydrogen fuel-cell technology to generate electricity. Hydrogen combines with oxygen inside the fuel cells to produce electricity for the train's traction motors. The main by-product is water vapour, with no direct carbon emissions or smoke.

How is India's Hydrogen Train Different from Other Hydrogen Trains?

India's hydrogen train is different from many existing hydrogen trains around the world, which generally have only two or three passenger coaches. With 10 coaches and a 3,200 HP propulsion system, India's train is the world's longest hydrogen train currently in operation and among the most powerful hydrogen trainsets globally.
The environmental benefits are significant. A conventional DEMU train produces around 6.074 kg of CO2 equivalent emissions for every kilometre travelled. According to Indian Railways, the hydrogen train has already helped reduce around 36,444 kg, or nearly 36 tonnes, of CO2 equivalent emissions.

The train was developed in India through collaboration between RDSO, Integral Coach Factory and Medha. Its hydrogen fuel-cell system is supported by lithium iron phosphate batteries and hydrogen storage cylinders. A dedicated hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has also been established at Jind.

Hydrogen trains could be particularly useful on routes where electrification is difficult, including remote and heritage railway routes. India is among a small group of countries developing and operating this technology, marking an important step towards cleaner and more sustainable rail transport.