India’s first hydrogen-powered train completes final speed trial in Haryana

India has taken a major step towards sustainable transportation with the trial run of its first hydrogen-powered train. The project marks a significant milestone in the country's efforts to adopt cleaner energy solutions and reduce carbon emissions in the railway sector. The country's first hydrogen-powered train comprises 10 coaches and is equipped with a powerful 1,200 kW engine. It completed a successful high-speed trial run, reaching speeds of 120 kmph on the Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway in Haryana on Saturday, June 27, 2026. BIG BREAKING Indiaʼs first HYDROGEN-POWERED train SUCCESSFULLY completed its trial run between Delhi and Jind — Reached speeds of up to 120 kmph.— Emergency braking and oscillation performance were SUCCESSFULLY tested. pic.twitter.com/KOh5uesN9J— Megh Updates ™ (@MeghUpdates) June 27, 2026 About the hydrogen trainDeveloped by Indian Railways, the hydrogen train is designed to operate using hydrogen fuel cells instead of conventional diesel engines. The fuel cells generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water and heat as by-products. This makes hydrogen-powered trains an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil-fuel-based rail transport. Through this initiative, India aligns itself with a distinguished group of nations, including Germany, Japan, China, and the United States, that are investigating hydrogen as a means for more sustainable rail transport. Since the technology is still in its early development phase, only a few countries are presently using or trialling these systems.Operations and managementThe train operates on green hydrogen fuel cells that emit only water vapour, spearheading Indian Railways' zero-emission transportation goals. The system is remarkably fuel-efficient, which means it is capable of travelling approximately 180 km on just 360 kg of hydrogen. The Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO) conducted thorough oscillation and Emergency Brake Distance (EBD) trials to ensure structural and operational stability. Dedicated spaces within the train have been set aside to house hydrogen storage cylinders, fuel cell systems, batteries, and control systems. On a single refuelling, the train can cover approximately 250 km. The train is equipped with several safety systems, including hydrogen leak detectors, flame detection equipment, and continuous monitoring technology.A proud milestone in India's journey towards clean, green and self-reliant transportation.The successful completion of the final high-speed trial of India's first indigenous hydrogen-powered train on the Jind–Sonipat section in Haryana marks a historic achievement for Indian… pic.twitter.com/VesQx3YvRr— G Kishan Reddy (@kishanreddybjp) June 27, 2026 India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train Completes 120 kmph Speed Trial In Haryana, Moves Closer To Passenger ServiceReduce dependence on imported fossil fuelsApart from lowering greenhouse gas emissions, hydrogen trains are expected to reduce noise pollution and dependence on imported fossil fuels. The technology also offers a viable option for railway operations in areas where electrification may be challenging or economically unfeasible. If adopted on a wider scale, the technology could help Indian Railways lower its carbon footprint while providing efficient and environmentally friendly transport for millions of passengers.

India took a significant step towards cleaner rail transport on Friday as the country’s first hydrogen-powered train successfully completed its final high-speed trial on the Jind-Sonipat section in Haryana. The train achieved a top speed of 120 kmph during the test, marking an important milestone in Indian Railways’ efforts to introduce hydrogen-powered trains and reduce carbon emissions.The trial, conducted on June 26, was monitored by railway officials, with visuals showing the train departing from Jind during the final phase of testing. The successful run is expected to pave the way for the train’s entry into passenger service once the remaining regulatory and operational formalities are completed.Why Jind was chosenThe Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway was selected as the pilot route for the project because it offers suitable conditions to test hydrogen-powered technology under real operating conditions. To support the initiative, Indian Railways has also developed dedicated hydrogen production, storage and refuelling facilities at Jind, enabling the train to be operated and maintained safely.The hydrogen-powered train has been equipped with multiple safety features, including hydrogen leak detectors, flame detection equipment and continuous monitoring technology. These systems are designed to quickly detect and respond to any potential safety concerns during operations, reflecting the emphasis on reliability before the train enters commercial service.'Roller Coaster Ride': Bengaluru Namma Metro’s Steep Track Sparks Dramatic Buzz On RedditA cleaner future for Indian RailwaysThe project forms part of Indian Railways’ broader strategy to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and promote environmentally friendly transport. Hydrogen fuel-cell technology generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapour as its direct emission. Compared with conventional diesel-powered trains, it also helps reduce air and noise pollution, making it a cleaner alternative for the future.With the successful completion of the 120 kmph speed trial, India has moved a step closer to introducing hydrogen-powered passenger rail services. The achievement also places the country among a select group of nations that have developed or tested hydrogen-powered trains, underlining India’s growing focus on adopting cleaner technologies and supporting the global transition towards more sustainable railway transport.

The train was tested at a top speed of 120 kmph on the Northern Railway route, with the successful run seen as a precursor to its entry into passenger service after completion of regulatory and operational formalities.