India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train Coach Successfully Tested

India has entered a new era of green transportation with the successful testing of its first hydrogen-powered train coach at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, on July 25, 2025. This breakthrough marks a critical step toward sustainable mobility in railways and places India among a handful of countries adopting hydrogen-based rail technology. The initiative is part of a broader push to meet India’s net-zero emissions targets and modernize its railway infrastructure with clean energy alternatives.

Background

The concept of hydrogen trains emerged globally as an alternative to diesel-powered locomotives, especially on non-electrified tracks. Countries like Germany, France, and Japan have already deployed hydrogen trains in limited routes. India began exploring hydrogen-based rail technology under its “Hydrogen for Heritage” initiative in 2023. The Railway Ministry proposed retrofitting DEMUs (Diesel Electric Multiple Units) and developing new hydrogen-powered trains to support clean transport in heritage and hill routes.

Significance of the Hydrogen Coach Test

• First-of-its-kind in India: The Driving Power Car tested at ICF is the first hydrogen train coach ever built and tested domestically.
• Clean & Green Innovation: Hydrogen trains produce zero tailpipe emissions, emitting only water vapour, making them ideal for India’s green goals.
• Global Leadership: Developing a 1,200 HP hydrogen-powered train elevates India into the league of technologically advanced railway nations.
• Strategic for Energy Security: Promotes energy diversification, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Objectives of Hydrogen-Powered Trains in India

• Promote Green Transportation: Reduce carbon emissions from railways.
• Modernize Hill & Heritage Routes: Cleaner transport on scenic routes for tourism and sustainability.
• Develop Indigenous Technology: Strengthen Make in India with domestic hydrogen innovation.
• Fulfill Climate Commitments: Contribute to India’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.

Features and Cost Structure

• The project includes plans to operate 35 hydrogen-powered trains under the Hydrogen for Heritage program.
• Cost per train: Estimated at ₹80 crore.
• Infrastructure cost per route: Estimated at ₹70 crore.
• Pilot project: ₹111.83 crore allocated for retrofitting a DEMU with hydrogen fuel cells to run on the Jind–Sonipat section (Northern Railway).
• While initial operational costs are high, they are expected to decline with scale and innovation.

Future Prospects

• Hydrogen trains are expected to replace diesel engines on non-electrified routes.
• They can serve remote, hilly, and ecologically sensitive areas with minimal environmental impact.
• Over time, India may become a global hub for hydrogen-based rail technology with export potential.
• Supports the government’s broader National Green Hydrogen Mission.