In a historic leap toward sustainable rail transport, India has successfully tested its first hydrogen-powered train coach at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the breakthrough on X (formerly Twitter), marking a major milestone in the country’s clean energy transition.
A Giant Step Toward Green Mobility
The newly tested Driving Power Car (DPC), equipped with hydrogen fuel cell technology, is part of India’s ambitious plan to develop a 1,200 HP hydrogen train. “This achievement places India among the global leaders in hydrogen-powered rail technology,” Vaishnaw stated. The move aligns with the government’s vision of net-zero emissions and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Hydrogen for Heritage: 35 Green Trains on the Way
In 2023, the Railways Ministry revealed plans to introduce 35 hydrogen trains under the “Hydrogen for Heritage” initiative, targeting eco-friendly operations on heritage and hill routes. Each train is estimated to cost ₹80 crore, with an additional ₹70 crore per route for infrastructure development.
A pilot project worth ₹111.83 crore is already underway to retrofit a Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) with hydrogen fuel cells, set to run on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway.
Costs High Now, But Expected to Fall
While hydrogen trains currently have higher operational costs compared to conventional trains, experts predict expenses will decline as adoption scales up. DD News reported that hydrogen’s zero-carbon emission advantage makes it a cornerstone of India’s green transport strategy.
First Hydrogen Train by August 2025?
According to Deccan Herald, the ICF is racing to roll out India’s first fully operational hydrogen train by the end of August. If successful, this will position India alongside pioneers like Germany (Coradia iLint) and China (Hydrogen-powered trams) in hydrogen rail innovation.
A Cleaner Future for Indian Railways
With Indian Railways aiming for net-zero emissions by 2030, hydrogen technology could revolutionize the sector—especially on non-electrified routes. The successful test brings India closer to a future where trains run on clean, renewable energy, reducing pollution and fuel dependency. As the world watches, India’s green rail revolution is officially on track.