India’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered passenger train has covered around 900 kilometres during the first five days of its commercial operations on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday.The train, which was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 17, runs on hydrogen fuel cell technology instead of conventional diesel engines.The train uses two 1,200-kilowatt hydrogen-electric propulsion systems, with onboard fuel cells generating electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen. The process produces water vapour and heat as by-products.The hydrogen-powered train is part of Indian Railways’ efforts to explore cleaner alternatives for routes where full electrification may not be feasible.The pilot project on the Jind-Sonipat section is expected to provide operational experience for the possible deployment of similar trains on remote and heritage routes.According to the statement, passenger fares have been kept at the same level as ordinary Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) services, ranging between Rs 10 and Rs 25.The 10-coach train is supported by a hydrogen storage and refuelling facility at Jind, which has been developed to service the train’s operations.The Jind-Sonipat corridor was selected as the pilot route for India’s first hydrogen train.The service operates under Northern Railway and is designed to carry around 2,600 passengers. The train has a design speed of 110 kmph, although it currently operates at a maximum speed of 75 kmph on the route.Hydrogen fuel cell trains generate electricity onboard instead of drawing power from overhead electric lines.The technology uses Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells, where hydrogen stored on the train reacts with oxygen from the air to produce electricity for traction, emitting only water vapour and heat during operation.With the launch of the service, India has joined a small group of countries that have introduced or are testing hydrogen-powered trains.Countries including Germany, Japan, China and the United States have also deployed or trialled hydrogen rail technology.
