Following the successful rollout of India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train in Haryana, Indian Railways is planning to expand hydrogen train operations to the Delhi region and eight heritage rail routes under its ‘Hydrogen for Heritage’ initiative.
India’s Hydrogen Train Journey Enters the Next Phase
India’s ambitious hydrogen rail programme is gathering momentum after the successful operation of the country’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train on the Jind-Sonipat section in Haryana. With the pilot demonstrating encouraging results, Indian Railways is now preparing to expand the technology to new routes, including the Delhi region and several heritage and hill railways across the country.
The expansion marks another step in India’s broader clean energy transition, with hydrogen fuel expected to play a key role in reducing emissions from the transport sector while strengthening indigenous green mobility technologies.
Haryana Pilot Records Early Success
The country’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 89-kilometre Jind-Sonipat route under Northern Railway.
According to Railway officials, the train has already travelled more than 1,200 kilometres, replacing over 3,200 litres of diesel during its operations. Powered by hydrogen fuel cells, the train generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapour as its direct emission.
Apart from the train itself, the pilot project also includes an integrated hydrogen ecosystem at Jind comprising hydrogen production, storage, compression and refuelling infrastructure.
Officials say the project is helping evaluate not only train performance but also operational safety, hydrogen storage systems and maintenance requirements before large-scale deployment.
Delhi Region Likely to Host Next Hydrogen Train Trial
Encouraged by the performance of the Haryana pilot, Indian Railways has announced that the next phase of hydrogen train operations will move to the Delhi region.
Although the exact route has not yet been disclosed, the Delhi trial is expected to expose the technology to higher passenger volumes, denser rail traffic and more complex operating conditions compared with the relatively less congested Jind-Sonipat corridor.
The experience gained from these operations is expected to guide future expansion of hydrogen-powered rail services across the country.
Heritage and Hill Railways Identified for Hydrogen Expansion
Beyond Delhi, Indian Railways has outlined an ambitious long-term roadmap under its ‘Hydrogen for Heritage’ programme.
Under the initiative, Railways plans to develop 35 hydrogen-powered trains for eight heritage and hill railway routes, where full electrification may be technically difficult or environmentally unsuitable.
The programme aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while preserving the ecological and heritage value of these iconic railway corridors.
Among the routes expected to benefit are several historic mountain railways that attract domestic and international tourists each year.
Potential Routes for Future Hydrogen Trains
While Indian Railways has not announced the complete deployment schedule, the following routes are among those expected to play an important role in future hydrogen operations:
- Delhi region (next phase of operational trials)
- Kalka–Shimla Railway
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
- Nilgiri Mountain Railway
- Matheran Hill Railway
- Other heritage rail corridors identified under the Hydrogen for Heritage programme
The final rollout will depend on operational assessments, infrastructure readiness and approvals from the Railway Ministry.
Why Hydrogen Trains Matter
Hydrogen-powered trains are increasingly being viewed as an environmentally friendly alternative to diesel locomotives, particularly on routes where electrification is expensive or environmentally sensitive.
Unlike diesel engines, hydrogen fuel cell trains emit only water vapour, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. They also support India’s clean energy goals while encouraging domestic innovation in hydrogen production, storage and fuel-cell technology.
The initiative aligns with the country’s broader commitment to developing green hydrogen under the National Green Hydrogen Mission and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
What Comes Next
Railway officials will continue monitoring the performance of the Haryana pilot while preparing infrastructure for future operations.
The proposed Delhi trials are expected to provide valuable operational data before hydrogen trains are introduced on a wider scale. Successful deployment on heritage and hill railways could also position India among the leading countries adopting hydrogen-based rail transport.
Key Takeaways
- India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train has travelled over 1,200 kilometres on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana.
- The train has replaced more than 3,200 litres of diesel and emits only water vapour.
- Delhi is expected to host the next phase of hydrogen train trials.
- Indian Railways plans to introduce 35 hydrogen-powered trains under its Hydrogen for Heritage initiative.
- Heritage and hill railways, including the Kalka-Shimla Railway, are among the routes expected to benefit from future deployment.
FAQs
Where is India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train operating?
The train is operating on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway in Haryana.
Which route is likely to receive the next hydrogen train?
Indian Railways has indicated that the Delhi region will host the next phase of hydrogen train trials, although the exact route has not yet been announced.
Why are heritage railways being chosen?
Heritage and hill railways are ideal candidates because electrification can be technically challenging or environmentally sensitive. Hydrogen trains provide a cleaner alternative to diesel operations.
How many hydrogen trains does Indian Railways plan to introduce?
Indian Railways has announced plans to develop 35 hydrogen-powered trains for eight heritage and hill railway routes.
What are the environmental benefits of hydrogen trains?
Hydrogen fuel cell trains produce electricity using hydrogen and oxygen, with water vapour as the only direct emission, helping reduce pollution and dependence on fossil fuels.
