Railways gears up to launch first hydrogen train by March 31 – Check features, route and more

The Railways had allocated Rs 2,800 crore in 2023-24 to develop a fleet of 35 hydrogen fuel cell-based trains as part of India’s broader vision for clean energy transportation.

In another milestone achievement, the Railways is all set to roll out the country’s first hydrogen-fuelled train by March 31. According to reports, this eco-friendly innovation will place India among the global leaders in green mobility, alongside nations like Germany, France, China, and the United Kingdom.

The Railways had allocated Rs 2,800 crore in 2023-24 to develop a fleet of 35 hydrogen fuel cell-based trains as part of India’s broader vision for clean energy transportation.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that the specifications for these trains were developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), ensuring the technology is fully Made in India.

According to the report, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai is currently building the train, and once completed, it will be operated by Northern Railway’s Delhi Division on the Jind-Sonipat route, covering approximately 89 km.

“Indian Railways has taken up a state-of-the-art project for the development of the first hydrogen train on a pilot basis by retrofitment of hydrogen fuel cell on diesel electric multiple unit (DEMU) rake,” Vaishnaw said and added, “The specifications for this fully indigenously developed train have been prepared by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO). This is slated to be among the longest hydrogen train in the world presently. It will also be among the maximum powered hydrogen trains in the world.”