India’s first hydrogen-powered train saves 3,200 litres of diesel; Delhi route tests next
India has successfully tested its first hydrogen-powered train, which has already saved over 3,200 litres of diesel during trial runs in Haryana. The project, developed indigenously, uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity with only water vapour as a byproduct.
Why it matters
This represents a significant step toward decarbonizing India's massive railway network and advancing green hydrogen technology.
India's first hydrogen-powered train has travelled more than 1,200 kilometres since it was flagged off on July 17, with Railways saying the project has already saved over 3,200 litres of diesel during trial operations between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana.According to a railway ministry press release, the successful trial runs have paved the way for the next phase of testing, with operations on the Delhi route expected to begin soon.Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the country's first hydrogen-powered train from Jind under the Centre's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.Train generates electricity using hydrogen fuel cellsUnlike conventional diesel locomotives, the hydrogen train produces electricity onboard through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen inside fuel cells, according to the Railway Ministry.The electricity generated powers the train's motors, while water vapour is the only by-product released during the process.Because there is no combustion, the train produces no smoke or tailpipe carbon emissions, making…
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