Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday announced that the Railway Ministry has approved the operation of India’s first hydrogen-powered 10-coach DEMU train on the Jind-Sonipat route under the Northern Railway zone.

Calling it a key development for the state, Saini thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre for the approval, saying Haryana would achieve new milestones in development and railway infrastructure under the Prime Minister’s leadership.

According to an official statement, the hydrogen-powered train will run at a maximum speed of 75 kmph. The project is being seen as a significant step towards cleaner and greener railway transport in India.

The train will operate using hydrogen fuel cell technology instead of conventional diesel or electric traction systems. Officials said the train will generate a total power output of 1,200 kilowatts.

The new train will also use Distributed Power Rolling Stock (DPRS) technology, where power is distributed throughout the coaches instead of relying on a single locomotive. The system is expected to improve operational efficiency and performance.

Hydrogen-powered trains are considered an important alternative to diesel engines as they produce lower emissions and support cleaner mobility goals.

The Railway Ministry cleared the project after technical approval from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and safety testing conducted by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS).

With PTI inputs