India’s first hydrogen-powered train is set to start running in the 2024-25 financial year, with trial runs planned for December this year. This marks a major step in Indian Railways' mission to become a net-zero carbon-emission organization by 2030.
The first trial will take place on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana, part of the Delhi Division.
A senior railway official confirmed that the hydrogen train would operate in the Delhi Division of Northern Railway, with testing scheduled for December.
As part of the "Hydrogen for Heritage" initiative, 35 hydrogen trains will be introduced, particularly on heritage and hilly routes.
These trains run on hydrogen fuel cells, which only emit water and steam, making them environmentally friendly and non-polluting.
They are also part of a broader effort to adopt energy-efficient technologies like the HOG system, LED lighting, and solar power installations.
Indian Railways has allocated ₹2,800 crore this year for hydrogen trains and ₹600 crore for building hydrogen infrastructure on heritage routes.
Additionally, a separate project is underway to convert diesel DEMU trains to run on hydrogen fuel cells.
