Overview
- The 10-coach hydrogen fuel-cell passenger train, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off on Friday, July 17, completed roughly 900 kilometres during its first five days of commercial service on the Jind–Sonipat corridor.
- Onboard Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells drive two 1,200-kilowatt hydrogen-electric propulsion systems that produce only water vapour and heat to generate electricity for traction.
- The train is designed for about 2,600 passengers and a top design speed of 110 km/h but has been limited to a maximum operating speed of 75 km/h on the pilot route.
- Operations are supported by an indigenously built hydrogen storage and refuelling facility at Jind, and passenger fares have been kept at ordinary DMU levels ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 25.
- Indian Railways says the service is an operational trial to test technical performance and service viability for wider rollout, a step that places India alongside countries testing hydrogen rail while questions about hydrogen sourcing, refuelling logistics and lifecycle costs remain.