In a major boost to sustainable transportation, the Ministry of Railways has officially sanctioned the introduction of India’s first-ever hydrogen-powered train. The landmark project will see a 10-coach Hydrogen Fuel Cell-based Diesel-Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train operate on the Jind–Sonepat section of the Northern Railway’s Delhi Division.
According to an official communique from the Railway Board dated May 22, 2026, the approval follows the successful completion of oscillation trial runs conducted by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in March.
As per the directives issued by Kishan Rawat, Director of Civil Engineering at the Railway Board, the commercial rolling stock operation is strictly authorized for the dedicated Jind–Sonepat route. For scheduled maintenance, the trainset will be routed to a specialized facility in Shakurbasti, Delhi.
Because hydrogen technology demands precision handling, the Railway Board has laid down rigorous safety and operational guidelines. These include that officials must conduct regular inspections of onboard leak and flame detectors. Because dust build up can compromise sensor accuracy, routine cleaning schedules are mandatory.
A license has already been granted for the storage and filling of Compressed Hydrogen Gas (CHG) at the Jind generation facility. The entire premises will feature 24/7 security to prevent unauthorized access, and the central control room must remain manned around the clock with full data logging access.
Indian Railways will comprehensively train all personnel assigned to refueling stations and onboard operations. Staff must secure official competency certificates prior to deployment. For the first three months of commercial service, a team of certified technical experts will accompany the train to troubleshoot any en-route mechanical or system issues. The Shakurbasti maintenance facility will receive a standby compressor unit within six months, and all future hydrogen rakes will feature positive mounting for under-gear equipment.
Reacting to the development, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini lauded the initiative, stating that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state is set to script new milestones in modern rail infrastructure.
“This Hydrogen DEMU train will prove to be a defining milestone, setting the benchmark for the future of eco-friendly mass transit projects across the nation,” Saini noted.
