Chennai: Indian Railways is set to make a historic leap in green transportation with the imminent launch of India's first hydrogen-powered train. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently shared a video on social media, announcing "Bharat's First Hydrogen Train! Coming soon."

This groundbreaking train, developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, is equipped with a powerful 1,200-horsepower engine. It will be the world's most powerful hydrogen-powered train and is designed to operate on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana. The train features eight coaches with a capacity to carry around 2,600 passengers and can reach speeds of up to 110 km/h, making it suitable for short-distance travel.

India's first hydrogen train uses hydrogen fuel cells that emit only water and heat as byproducts, thus producing zero carbon emissions and significantly reducing noise pollution. This innovation aligns with India's broader vision of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 and enhancing energy efficiency in its railway network.

The train is part of the "Hydrogen for Heritage" initiative, under which Indian Railways plans to deploy 35 hydrogen-powered trains primarily on heritage and hill routes. Each train is estimated to cost around Rs 80 crore, with additional investments in hydrogen storage and refuelling infrastructure, such as the dedicated 3,000-kg hydrogen fueling facility at Jind.

Following successful tests of the hydrogen-powered coach prototype, including the Driving Power Car at ICF Chennai, the project is moving toward commercial rollout. This positions India among a select group of countries—including Germany, China, and the UK—that have adopted hydrogen rail technology. The initiative not only supports India's clean energy transition but also represents a major step toward modernising its transportation sector with sustainable technology.