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In a landmark development for India’s railway sector, the Railway Board has officially sanctioned the country’s first hydrogen powered passenger train for commercial operations. The approval, communicated through an official letter dated May 22, 2026, addressed to the Research Designs and Standards Organisation and Northern Railway, marks a defining moment in India’s transition towards sustainable public transportation.
A Technically Significant Trainset
The sanctioned trainset comprises ten coaches, including two Driving Power Cars of 1,200 kW each, delivering a combined output of 2,400 kW. Operating on Distributed Power Rolling Stock technology, the system distributes power equipment across the trainset rather than concentrating it in a single locomotive. This configuration enhances operational efficiency and redundancy. The train will operate on the 89-kilometre Jind–Sonipat section under Northern Railway at a maximum speed of 75 kmph, with two daily round trips serving over 2,600 passengers. Its only emission is water vapour, making it a zero carbon dioxide operation.
A World Record on Broad Gauge
The trainset currently holds the distinction of being the world’s longest and most powerful hydrogen train on a broad gauge platform, comprising ten coaches with a total power output of 2,400 kW. With this sanction, India moves closer to joining an established group of nations like Germany, Sweden, Japan, and China that already operate hydrogen powered passenger rail services commercially.
Safety and Operational Readiness
Railway Board sanction does not immediately translate into passenger operations. Northern Railway must still secure compliance clearances from multiple regulatory bodies, including the Research Designs and Standards Organisation, the Commissioner of Railway Safety, the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation, and international safety inspection agencies. Notably, the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation has already granted permission for compressed hydrogen storage and refuelling at Jind. Safety systems onboard include leak detectors and flame detectors, which require regular inspection and maintenance as dust accumulation can affect sensor performance. Staff deployed at hydrogen refuelling stations and onboard operations must obtain competency certificates prior to deployment. For the first three months of commercial operations, trained technical staff will travel onboard during every journey to monitor performance and address technical contingencies.
Maintenance and Movement Protocol
Scheduled maintenance for the trainset will be carried out at Shakurbasti in Delhi. Since the hydrogen system must be completely shut down during maintenance, a conventional diesel locomotive will haul the trainset between Jind and Shakurbasti in a non operational condition, in accordance with existing railway safety provisions.
Advancing India’s Green Agenda
This milestone directly supports India’s Green Hydrogen Mission and its broader commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. For Indian Railways hydrogen traction represents a credible long term pathway to decarbonising operations. The Jind–Sonipat service, modest in scale today, may well be remembered as the first step in a transformative journey for green rail transport in India.
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