Aug 24, 2025
15
mins read
Hydrogen-powered trains use fuel cells to convert hydrogen into electricity, emitting only water and heat as exhaust. This makes them a viable low-carbon alternative to diesel locomotives. By replacing fossil fuels, hydrogen trains can sharply reduce carbon emissions and air pollutants (like CO and NOx) from rail transport. The technology is rapidly gaining support: Indian Railways’ Northern Zone launched a pilot (2020–21) to retrofit two 1600 HP diesel power cars with hydrogen fuel cells, alongside a dedicated 3,000 kg hydrogen storage and refuelling facility at Jind, Haryana. These efforts are backed by the government’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), which targets production of 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2030.
The Indian Railways has successfully tested its first hydrogen-powered driving power car at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. This milestone is part of India’s “Hydrogen for Heritage” initiative to deploy 35 hydrogen trains on heritage and non-electrified routes, aiming to cut greenhouse gases and boost renewable energy use. The shift to hydrogen fuel – a clean molecule that emits only water vapor – aligns with India’s climate goals and its National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).
Table of content
Zero-emission operation: Hydrogen fuel cells produce only water vapor and heat. Unlike diesel engines, there are no CO₂, SO₂, NOx or particulate emissions, greatly improving air quality (especially in tunnels and cities).
High efficiency and energy density: Hydrogen has one of the highest energy-to-weight ratios of any fuel. Fuel cells efficiently convert chemical energy to electricity, often exceeding the thermal efficiency of diesel engines. Regenerative braking can further save energy by storing excess power in batteries.
Reduced fossil dependence: Substituting diesel with hydrogen cuts oil imports. As the Indian Express notes, using hydrogen (a “cleaner fuel”) helps India reduce reliance on fossil fuel import. Coupled with India’s huge solar/wind capacity, electrolytic (green) hydrogen can be produced domestically, enhancing energy security.
Supports renewables integration: Hydrogen can act as an energy carrier, storing surplus solar or wind power via electrolysis. This enables round-the-clock energy supply and grid stability by converting otherwise curtailed renewable output into hydrogen for use in trains or industry.
Decarbonises heavy transport: Hydrogen trains can pioneer decarbonisation in railways and inspire other sectors. Green hydrogen can be used in hard-to-abate industries (steel, cement, chemicals) as noted by experts. Indian Railways’ shift is part of a broader green mobility push.
Strategic decarbonisation: Supports India’s net‑zero by 2070 target and 2030 milestones (500 GW non‑fossil capacity, 50% energy from renewables, 45% reduction in emissions intensity vs 2005), by enabling zero‑emission operations on non‑electrified routes without full OHE buildout.
Energy security: India’s crude oil import dependence is ~85%+; substituting diesel with domestically produced green hydrogen cushions against oil price/supply shocks and reduces the fuel import bill over time.
Industrial ecosystem & jobs: Green hydrogen scaleup (electrolysers, fuel cells, high‑pressure storage, refuelling hubs) aligns with national manufacturing pushes and is expected to create skilled jobs across design, fabrication, O&M, and safety—especially around hydrogen hubs.
Technology leadership: A 1,200 HP hydrogen train places India among early adopters (alongside Germany/Japan), building indigenous standards and exportable know-how in clean rail—useful as green hydrogen adoption expands across hard‑to‑abate sectors by 2030–2040.
Retrofit design: Two 1600 HP diesel power cars are being converted to hydrogen fuel cell units. Each car will store 220 kg of hydrogen at 350 bar in carbon-fiber cylinders for a 356 km daily route between Jind and Sonipat.
Multiple safety systems: To address hydrogen’s flammability, the design incorporates pressure relief valves, flame/temperature sensors, and rapid ventilation systems. Worst-case leak scenarios were modeled using CFD simulations.
Third-party audits: Germany’s TÜV-SÜD is independently auditing the design for safety certification, ensuring compliance with global standards and Indian PESO regulations under the oversight of RDSO.
Operational protocols: Hydrogen tanks are enclosed in crash-tested frames. Automated leak detectors are linked to shutoff and fire-suppression systems, complemented by specialized crew training and emergency drills.
National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM): Launched in 2023, NGHM aims to make India a global hub for green hydrogen. The mission is backed by MNRE and envisions at least 5 MMT/yr production by 2030. It covers R&D incentives, manufacturing of electrolyzers, and blending hydrogen in fuel.
Hydrogen hubs: The government is promoting “hydrogen hubs” where solar/wind farms are co-located with electrolysers and storage. These hubs will compress and ship hydrogen to fuel stations (like the Jind facility) and industries. Various states and PSUs are investing in such projects under public–private partnerships.
Refuelling infrastructure: Alongside production, a network of fueling stations and pipelines is needed. For rail, Indian Railways is building the Jind refiller (see below). Auto and energy ministries are laying the groundwork for hydrogen filling stations on highways. Policy incentives (like tax breaks on electrolyzers and infrastructure grants) are accelerating this rollout.
Economic impact: Developing domestic green hydrogen production capacity will spur manufacturing (e.g. fuel cells, storage tanks, electrolyzers) and create green jobs. Analysts note that hydrogen projects can revitalize rural economies by using renewable power to generate hydrogen locally, thus distributing growth beyond cities.
3,000 kg storage capacity: A dedicated hydrogen fueling station is being built in Jind, Haryana, specifically for the first hydrogen train. The total storage is 3,000 kg, split into 2,320 kg at low pressure and 680 kg at high pressure.
Safety standards: The Jind facility is designed to PESO norms. Storage cylinders are placed in blast-proof bunkers with remote-controlled valves. The site will have hydrogen leak detectors, flame sensors, and an on-site firefighting water tank. Administrative controls (entry logs, fencing, cameras) ensure secure operation.
Supporting infrastructure: Northern Railway is also upgrading power lines and access roads to the Jind site. A large firefighting reservoir and emergency response unit are being installed. In sum, Jind will serve as a template “hub” for hydrogen refueling – it exemplifies the integrated hydrogen supply chain.
Hydrogen is not a primary energy source but an energy carrier – like electricity or batteries. It is the universe’s most abundant element (typically found in water and hydrocarbons). As such, it provides a virtually limitless source of energy once extracted. Key points:
Clean energy vector: When used, hydrogen fuel cells emit only water vapor. This makes hydrogen a key tool for decarbonizing transport and industry. Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen combustion or electrochemical use produces no carbon emissions at the point of use.
Versatility: Hydrogen can be produced from many sources (renewables, nuclear, biomass, waste, fossil fuels). This flexibility allows countries to use their native energy resources to generate hydrogen.
Technological maturity: Advances in fuel cells (durability, efficiency) and high-pressure storage have made hydrogen use safer and more cost-effective. The Energy & Habitat magazine notes RDSO’s fully indigenous design for the train. Indian Railways’ commitment to PESO-approved infrastructure (e.g. at Jind) further boosts safety.
Global significance: India’s 1,200 HP hydrogen train will be among the world’s most powerful hydrogen locomotives. This places India alongside countries like Germany and Japan in hydrogen rail tech. By 2030, hydrogen could substantially reduce rail sector emissions, contributing to India’s Net Zero (2070) and 500 GW renewable targets.
Promising growth: Hydrogen train technology is rapidly advancing. With 35 trains planned under the heritage scheme, demand for hydrogen fuel and infrastructure will grow. International collaboration (e.g. Japan supplying electrolysers) is also underway to boost India’s capacity. The NGHM and mission flagship projects ensure strong policy support.
Economic opportunities: The hydrogen push is expected to create new manufacturing jobs (fuel cells, storage, electrolyzers) and operating jobs in refueling stations. Local economies around hydrogen hubs will benefit from electricity demand and skilled employment. Analysts expect a growing “hydrogen value chain” contribution to GDP.
Key challenges: Hydrogen production and infrastructure currently involve high costs. For example, each heritage hydrogen train costs ~₹80 crore (plus ₹70 crore for track-side facilities. Electrolyzers and fuel cells are still expensive at scale. Building a nationwide refueling network and ensuring continuous green power for electrolysis are major undertakings.
Mitigation measures: Costs are falling with R&D and economies of scale. Bulk electrolyzer orders and localized green power (solar/wind farms) will drive down fuel costs. Ongoing safety drills and third-party audits (like TÜV-SÜD) address risk concerns. Ultimately, the long-term savings (from no fuel imports and carbon penalties) and environmental benefits are expected to outweigh the initial investments.
Q.What is a hydrogen-powered train?
A.A train powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The cells combine hydrogen with oxygen to produce electricity, with water as the only exhaust.
Q. What is India’s first hydrogen-powered train, and where was it tested?
A. India’s maiden hydrogen-powered train is the Driving Power Car prototype developed at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. It employs hydrogen fuel cells to convert hydrogen into electricity, emitting only water vapor and heat.
Q. When is this hydrogen train expected to enter service, and on which route?
A. Field trials have been completed, and the train has cleared load tests, with final commissioning underway . It is planned to operate on the Jind–Sonipat section in Haryana (approximately 89 km)—with testing and initial service expected to commence around late 2025.
Prelims
Q. With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements:
It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.
It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.
It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: Option (c)
Mains
Q. Hydrogen is being dubbed as the alternative fuel. However, there are many problems associated with the leveraging of Hydrogen Technology. Discuss.
India’s first hydrogen powered train marks a paradigm shift towards green railways. By harnessing hydrogen fuel cell technology – supported by the National Green Hydrogen Mission – the Railways will reduce emissions, improve air quality, and advance energy independence. While initial costs and infrastructure pose challenges, the long-term benefits (zero-emission travel, renewable integration, new jobs) are profound. With strict safety norms (third-party audits, advanced sensors) and global collaboration, hydrogen trains are poised to accelerate India’s sustainable development goals. As policy momentum builds, hydrogen could soon power not just trains, but a wider clean-energy future across transport and industry.
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External Linking Suggestions
UPSC Official Website – Syllabus & Notification: https://upsc.gov.in/
Press Information Bureau – Government Announcements: https://pib.gov.in/
NCERT Official Website – Standard Books for UPSC: https://ncert.nic.in
