India Advances Hydrogen Train Operations Toward 110 Kmph

India, September 2026 — Indian Railways is working to operate the country’s first hydrogen-powered train at speeds of up to 110 kmph after completing trials at 120 kmph. Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar said the current operational speed remains limited to 75 kmph while preparations continue for higher-speed service.

The railway is consulting stakeholders to determine suitable sections for hydrogen train operations, while technical requirements and hydrogen fuel supply arrangements are also being assessed. The train currently operates on the 89-km Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana, following its formal launch in July 2026.

Unlike conventional electric trains that draw power from overhead infrastructure, the hydrogen fuel-cell train generates electricity onboard through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The process produces water vapour and heat as by-products, eliminating combustion, smoke and direct tailpipe carbon emissions during operation.

The move to raise operating speeds reflects India’s broader effort to assess hydrogen propulsion as an alternative technology for non-electrified or operationally suitable rail routes. Decisions on future deployment will depend not only on train performance but also on route characteristics, technical requirements and the availability of reliable hydrogen fuelling infrastructure.

India’s hydrogen train programme therefore represents an early-stage test of how alternative propulsion can be integrated into a large railway network. Progress from trials toward regular higher-speed operation could provide operational experience for potential wider adoption of hydrogen-powered rolling stock across suitable sections of the network.

Source: DT Next