Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to flag off India’s first hydrogen-powered train from Jind railway station in Haryana on July 17, according to sources in the Railway Ministry.
Railway officials said confirmation has been received from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), and the train is expected to begin commercial operations immediately after the inauguration.
The hydrogen train, comprising two driving power cars and eight passenger coaches, has successfully completed extensive trials over the past two-and-a-half months on the Sonipat–Jind–New Delhi section at speeds ranging from 75 kmph to 120 kmph.
Once operational, the train will cover 356 kilometres daily by making two round trips between Jind and Sonipat, covering 89 kilometres in each direction. It offers 682 seats and has a total passenger capacity of around 2,600.
Railway experts said each driving power car generates 1,200 kilowatts (approximately 1,600 horsepower) of traction power. With two power cars, the train has a combined output of 2,400 kilowatts (around 3,200 horsepower), enabling it to efficiently accelerate, haul passenger coaches and maintain operational speeds.
The train is powered by hydrogen fuel cells that convert hydrogen into electricity while emitting only water vapour, making it an environmentally friendly and zero-emission transportation system.
Officials said the train carries 440 kilograms of compressed hydrogen, while its safety and design have been independently validated by TÃœV SÃœD to meet international safety standards.
Under normal operating conditions, the train is expected to consume around 300 kilograms of hydrogen per day. Although designed to attain a maximum speed of 110 kmph, it will operate at a speed of 75 kmph on the Jind–Sonipat route.
According to Railway Board guidelines, the hydrogen system will be switched off before the train is taken to the maintenance facility at Shakurbasti in Delhi. A diesel locomotive will then haul the train for scheduled maintenance as part of the prescribed safety protocol.
