India has achieved a major milestone in green mobility with the completion of its first indigenously designed hydrogen-powered train-set, marking a significant step toward Atmanirbhar Bharat and sustainable transportation. Developed as a pilot project by Indian Railways in line with specifications prepared by the Research, Design & Standards Organization (RDSO), the initiative aims to showcase hydrogen-based propulsion technology for future rail operations. To support this pilot, a green hydrogen production plant is being set up at Jind, where hydrogen will be generated using the electrolysis process—an essential component of clean hydrogen production. The newly completed hydrogen train-set stands out as the world’s longest and most powerful broad-gauge hydrogen train, consisting of 10 coaches and delivering a total power output of 2400 kW through two 1200 kW Driving Power Cars. With zero carbon emissions and water vapour as the only by-product, the train embodies next-generation clean fuel technology. The project encompasses complete in-house design, prototype development and India’s first attempt at hydrogen traction technology. As both the train-set and supporting infrastructure are in the pilot stage, comparing costs with existing traction systems is not appropriate at this point. The successful completion of this project reinforces Indian Railways’ commitment to exploring alternative energy sources and advancing environmentally friendly rail travel. This information was shared by the Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
