India's First Hydrogen Train: How Does Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology Work?

On 22 May 2026, the Indian Railway Board approved India’s first hydrogen train. This is the big moment for India in the history of the railway. In a major step toward the green and sustainable growth of transportation, Indian Railways has approved a 10-car Hydrogen Fuel Cell-based trainset on the dedicated Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway. 

With this initiative, India is now among those countries, including Germany, Japan, China and the United States, that are already using hydrogen trains for transportation in their countries.

So, let’s explore everything about India's first hydrogen train, how it works, where it will run, and why it is important in Indian Railways.

What is the Hydrogen Train?

The hydrogen train uses a hydrogen fuel cell to generate electricity instead of using diesel or an electric line. This 10-coach trainset is built using hydrogen fuel cell technology, which is called Hydrogen Fuel Cell-based DPRS 1200 KW DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit).

As per the PIB, “Indian Railways has approved the introduction of a 10-car Hydrogen Fuel Cell-based trainset on the dedicated Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway. The trainset is all set to start soon and will operate at a maximum speed of 75 kmph, powered by a 1200 KW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system.”

This train was built with the support of the Medha Servo Drives and Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, and Ballard Power Systems, which helps in the supply of the fuel cell modules

Medha Servo Drives and Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, were the supporters in the construction of the train. Ballard Power Systems, a global leader in hydrogen fuel cell technology, provided the fuel cell modules.

Key facts at a glance:

• Route: Jind to Sonipat, Haryana

How Does Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology Work?

This is the most important question. Let us explain it in very simple words.

Step 1: Hydrogen is stored in the train, and it will be transported in special high-pressure tanks on the train. The Jind hydrogen plant uses a process called 'electrolysis' to produce this hydrogen, which involves splitting water (H₂O) into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity.

Step 2: The hydrogen is fed into the fuel cell, and it gets fed into the negative side (anode), and oxygen from the air is fed into the positive side (cathode).

Step 3: Now theelectricity is generated by a chemical reaction, and due to this reaction, the hydrogen and oxygen react with one another within the fuel cell. In this reaction, three things are produced: electricity, heat and water. The electricity is used to power the electric motors that move the train.

Step 4: After the reaction, thewater is discharged, and only water vapour can be seen in the exhaust. There is not any visible smoke or carbon dioxide without any pollution. This makes it a real clean technology.

A hydrogen fuel cell is similar to a battery, but it generates electricity continuously as long as it is continuously supplied with hydrogen and oxygen.

What is Electrolysis?

Electrolysis is the process of using electricity to split the water into hydrogen and oxygen, and the reaction which takes place in a unit is called an electrolyser.

This process is used to get the carbon-free hydrogen production from the renewable source.

Quick Facts

• India's first hydrogen train will run on the Jind to Sonipat route in Haryana.

• The Railway Board approved the initiative of the first hydrogen train in India in May 2026.

• The train uses Ballard Power Systems fuel cell modules of 100 kW each.

• Hydrogen is produced at the Jind hydrogen plant using green electrolysis.

• The only exhaust from the train is water vapour.

• Indian Railways aims for net-zero emissions by 2030.

• India joins Germany, Sweden, Japan, and China in the hydrogen train club.

Why is the Jind Hydrogen Plant Important for this Initiative?

For the train to run, it needs a supply of hydrogen. That is why a special hydrogen plant has been set up at Jind. This plant uses electrolysis to produce hydrogen from water. A 1-megawatt electrolyser is installed here to produce green hydrogen. The plant has a storage capacity of 3,000 kg of hydrogen. A stable 11 kV power supply has been arranged for the plant to keep it running without interruption.

How is the Hydrogen Train Different from a Normal train?

Here are some features that make the Hydrogen Train different from a normal train, which are given below in a table format:

India and the National Green Hydrogen Mission

Indian Railways is one of the world's largest rail networks. Today, most trains are diesel or electric. But in the hydrogen train, there is no requirement of any electricity or any fuel like diesel. 

They can operate on non-electrified tracks. This saves the huge cost of building electrical infrastructure on less-used routes. It also benefits from less pollution, less carbon and green, sustainable transportation in India.

How is this Initiative Important For India?

India has a very large railway system that connects different states of India. While most of the tracks are not electrified, hydrogen trains can run on routes without any overhead wires needed. This saves the huge cost of building electrical infrastructure and railway track. It also means less pollution, lower carbon emissions, and a cleaner future for millions of passengers who travel by train every day.

India's first hydrogen train is a historical initiative in Indian Railways, which has committed towards the clean energy and green future of India