India's hydrogen trains: A leap toward sustainable rail
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Jan 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 26
India has made significant strides in adopting hydrogen-powered trains, with the Indian Railways leading the charge in this green initiative.
The country is working towards making its railway network more sustainable by introducing hydrogen-powered trains, which align with its broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and achieving net-zero targets.
Hydrogen train engine development
Indian Railways has developed the world's most powerful hydrogen train engine, capable of generating 1,200 horsepower. This is significantly more powerful than hydrogen engines currently in use worldwide, which typically generate between 500 and 600 horsepower.
The hydrogen engines have been indigenously developed and symbolize India’s growing capabilities in sustainable transportation.
The hydrogen-powered train engine developed by Indian Railways is the most powerful in the world, generating 1,200 horsepower, far exceeding the 500-600 horsepower engines currently used globally. This initiative is a significant step toward achieving India’s sustainability goals and reducing dependency on diesel. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Former Indian aailways Minister
Trial runs and routes
The first trial run of hydrogen-powered trains is scheduled for December 2024 on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana, an 89-kilometer section. This trial will test the trains' feasibility and performance in real-world conditions.
Other routes, particularly heritage and hill sections, have been earmarked for future deployment under Indian Railways' Hydrogen for Heritage initiative.
Train companies involved
Several key companies and organizations are playing a significant role in developing and deploying hydrogen-powered trains in India:
Indian Railways: The primary organization driving this initiative, responsible for introducing the hydrogen-powered fleet and testing it on Indian tracks.
Medha Servo Drives: This Hyderabad-based company has partnered with Indian Railways to provide advanced engineering solutions for hydrogen trains. Medha Servo is also working with GreenH Electrolysis to set up a hydrogen production facility in Haryana.
GreenH Electrolysis: A joint venture between H2B2 Electrolysis Technologies and Medha Servo, this company is responsible for the hydrogen fuel supply.
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL): Collaborating with Indian Railways to develop hydrogen-powered rail solutions, BHEL is focusing on designing and manufacturing hydrogen-powered rolling stock.
Alstom India: Though not yet officially contracted, Alstom has been in discussions to bring its global expertise in hydrogen trains, including its Coradia iLint, to the Indian market.
The facility we are setting up in Haryana is critical to fueling India’s hydrogen train operations, ensuring a reliable and green supply chain for the future of rail transport. Sanjeev Aggarwal CEO of GreenH Electrolysis
Future plans
Indian Railways plans to introduce 35 hydrogen trains by 2030, initially targeting non-electrified routes and tourist destinations. These trains will gradually replace diesel engines on such routes, reducing the carbon footprint of rail transport in India.
The government has also announced plans to develop more hydrogen refueling stations near key railway corridors, ensuring an efficient and scalable infrastructure for these trains.
Global context and inspiration
India's hydrogen train initiative draws inspiration from global pioneers like:
Germany: The Coradia iLint trains by Alstom are already operational, offering a clean alternative to diesel trains.
Japan: Toyota has partnered with East Japan Railway Company (JR East) to test hydrogen-powered train technology, aligning it with its advancements in hydrogen cars.
UK: Projects like HydroFLEX are adapting existing diesel-powered trains to run on hydrogen.
China: The world's first urban hydrogen-powered tram was launched in Qingdao in 2021.
