Indian Railways’ ₹136-crore hydrogen-powered train is set for launch after successfully clearing a major trial, in a push to cut greenhouse gas emissions and boost renewable energy use.
Ministry of Railways unveiled the first visuals on X (formerly Twitter) from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, where the train is undergoing trials.
Bharat’s Hydrogen Journey !
For the first time in India a hydrogen-powered train is set for its final commissioning, a landmark that showcases India’s rise as a technological powerhouse, driving innovation on the global stage. ????????#HydrogenTrain pic.twitter.com/RGwt5COKIC
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) August 13, 2025
The maiden route will be Jind to Sonipat in Haryana, chosen for its manageable length and readiness. This will make it the first route in India to operate a zero-emission hydrogen train.
The train, a converted Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) fitted with hydrogen fuel cells, features a 1,200 HP engine and can carry up to 2,600 passengers, making it the world’s most powerful and longest hydrogen-powered train.
India’s first hydrogen-powered train is set to redefine rail travel — clean, green, and future-ready.
A bold step towards sustainable mobility!#RailRevolution #CleanEnergy @RailMinIndia @AshwiniVaishnaw @RavneetBittu @DrLMurugan @PIB_India @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts pic.twitter.com/Wq1uV1ZH44— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) August 13, 2025
Under the Railways Ministry’s “Hydrogen for Heritage” programme, 35 such trains are planned at a cost of ₹80 crore each, with ₹70 crore per route for refuelling and maintenance.
Hydrogen trains emit only water vapour, offering a clean alternative for non-electrified and heritage lines like Shimla–Kalka, Darjeeling, and Ooty.
The rollout of the Jind–Sonipat service will pave the way for deployment on other routes, supporting India’s net-zero carbon emissions target by 2070.
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(Edited by : Priyanka Deshpande)
