New Delhi [India], July 10 (ANI): The Ministry of Railways has approved the launch of India’s first daily hydrogen-powered train service between Jind and Sonipat, according to official sources.
The service will operate as Train Nos. 74010 and 74009, with commercial stops at Jind City, Pandu Pindara, Lalit Khera, Bhambeva, Ishapur Kheri, Butana, Khandrai, Gohana, Rabhra, Lath, Mohana, Haryana, and Barwasni.
The approval follows a successful trial run conducted in June between Delhi and Jind, during which key operational parameters, including emergency braking distance and train oscillation, were evaluated.
In May, Indian Railways approved the introduction of a 10-coach hydrogen fuel cell-powered trainset for the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway.
According to the Ministry of Railways, the train is expected to begin operations soon and will run at a maximum speed of 75 km/h using a 1,200-kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system.
The initiative is part of Indian Railways’ efforts to promote cleaner and more energy-efficient transportation. The ministry said hydrogen fuel cell technology generates electricity through a chemical reaction using hydrogen, producing only water vapor as its emission, making it a clean alternative to conventional fossil fuel-powered trains.
With the project, India joins countries such as Germany, Japan, China, and the United States in developing hydrogen-powered rail transportation.
The Jind-Sonipat section in Haryana has been selected as the pilot route, and an indigenous hydrogen storage and refueling facility has been established at Jind to support operations.
The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has granted the required license for the storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas at the facility.
According to the ministry, a hydrogen compression system, along with technical support infrastructure and critical spare parts, has been installed to ensure reliable and fail-safe refueling operations. A standby compressor unit is also being added.
The ministry said safety systems, including hydrogen leak detectors and flame detectors installed at the hydrogen production, storage, and dispensing facility, will undergo regular inspection and maintenance to ensure safe operations.
Indian Railways has also finalized operation and maintenance manuals for both the hydrogen-powered trainset and the hydrogen plant, approved by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), along with safety protocols, audits, and standard operating procedures for the maintenance facility at Shakurbasti. (ANI)
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