Overview
- The 10-coach train was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday and began commercial runs on the 89 km Jind–Sonipat corridor with stops at 12 intermediate stations.
- The train uses a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell, is rated about 3,200 horsepower, travels at 75 km/h on the route and can reach up to 110 km/h if track limits allow.
- Railway crew reported a four-hour refuelling cycle from a nearby plant that stores nearly 3,000 kg of hydrogen, dispenses at about 350 bar, and supplies roughly 220 kg per driving power car for about 360 km on 440 kg.
- Officials say the train has built-in safety systems tested or certified by international agencies with an automatic shutdown if a hydrogen leak or other safety risk is detected.
- Analysts caution the technology is currently costlier than electric alternatives and widespread rollout will need falling green-hydrogen prices, dedicated refuelling infrastructure, likely government subsidies, and clear safety rules while local development around Jind may create jobs.