India is getting ready to launch its first hydrogen fuel cell train, a major step towards clean and green transportation. This train will run on hydrogen gas instead of diesel, making it eco-friendly and reducing pollution.
The train is scheduled to commence operations by March 31, 2025, on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana
India’s first hydrogen fuel cell train is being developed through a collaboration between several key entities:
- Medha Servo Drives: This Hyderabad-based company, a leading rail system integrator, has been contracted by Indian Railways to retrofit existing diesel-electric commuter trains with hydrogen fuel cell technology. source
- Ballard Power Systems: A Canadian fuel cell technology company, Ballard is supplying eight units of its 100 kW FCmove™-HD+ fuel cell modules for integration into the trains.
- GreenH Electrolysis: A joint venture between H2B2 Electrolysis Technologies and GR Promoter Group, GreenH Electrolysis has entered into a contract with Medha Servo Drives to build a hydrogen production and refueling station in Jind, Haryana, to supply hydrogen for the trains.
Total cost involved in hydrogen fuel train
The development of India’s hydrogen fuel cell trains involves several cost components:
- Individual Train Cost: Each hydrogen-powered train is estimated to cost approximately ₹80 crore (around $9.7 million). - source
- Route Infrastructure: Establishing the necessary infrastructure for each route, including hydrogen production, storage, and refueling facilities, requires an additional investment of about ₹70 crore (approximately $8.5 million) per route. economictimes.indiatimes.com
- Pilot Project: A pilot project to retrofit an existing Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train with hydrogen fuel cells, along with the development of associated ground infrastructure, has been undertaken at a cost of ₹111.83 crore (approximately $13.5 million). This retrofitted train is planned to operate on the Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway. – source
- Comprehensive Budget Allocation: In the fiscal year 2023-24, the Ministry of Railways allocated ₹2,800 crore (around $335 million) for the development of 35 hydrogen fuel cell-based trains. An additional ₹600 crore (approximately $72 million) has been earmarked for setting up hydrogen infrastructure on heritage routes. source
KEY FEATURES OF INDIA’S FIRST HYDROGEN TRAIN
The upcoming hydrogen-powered train boasts several impressive specifications, making it one of the most advanced trains in India.
- Maximum speed: The train can achieve a top speed of 110 km/h, ensuring efficient travel
- Passenger capacity: With a capacity of 2,638 passengers, it is designed to accommodate many commuters
- Engine power: The train will be equipped with a 1,200 HP engine, marking it as the highest-capacity hydrogen-powered train in the world
how many countries already have hydrogen train
As of March 2025, 4 countries including India have introduced hydrogen-powered trains into their rail networks:
- Germany: In September 2018, Germany launched the world’s first hydrogen-powered passenger trains, the Alstom Coradia iLint, in Lower Saxony. source
- United States: In September 2024, San Bernardino, California, introduced North America’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train, the Zero-Emission Multiple Unit (ZEMU), developed in partnership with Swiss manufacturer Stadler Inc. source
- Spain: The FCH2Rail project successfully tested the first hydrogen train on Spanish and Portuguese rail networks, with trials concluding in November 2024. source
What is a Hydrogen Train?
A hydrogen train uses hydrogen gas to create electricity. This electricity powers the train, and the only thing it releases is water and heat—no smoke, no pollution! This makes it much cleaner than diesel trains, which produce carbon emissions that harm the environment.
Why is India Using Hydrogen Trains?
India has one of the largest railway networks in the world. Many trains still run on diesel, which pollutes the air and adds to climate change. By using hydrogen fuel, India can:
✅ Reduce pollution – No harmful gases, just clean energy.
✅ Save fuel costs – Less dependence on expensive diesel and imported fuel.
✅ Use clean energy – Hydrogen can be made from solar and wind power.
✅ Run quieter trains – Less noise means a better experience for passengers.
Challenges and the Future
Even though hydrogen trains are great for the environment, there are some challenges:
🔹 High cost – Building hydrogen trains and refueling stations is expensive.
🔹 Storage issues – Hydrogen needs special tanks for safe storage.
🔹 New technology – It will take time to fully develop the system.
India is working hard to overcome these challenges by investing in green hydrogen—hydrogen made using renewable energy like solar and wind power. This will help make hydrogen trains cheaper and more efficient in the future.
