Green hydrogen trains India What Is Green Hydrogen? India to Roll Out 35 Hydrogen-Powered Trains at ₹80 Crore Each

Green Hydrogen Takes the Railways by Storm: India’s ₹80 Crore Trains Usher in a Cleaner Future Indian Railways hydrogen train project

1. What Exactly Is Green Hydrogen?

At its core, green hydrogen is the cleanest form of hydrogen fuel. It's produced when renewable energy (like solar or wind) powers electrolysis—that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen—with zero emissions. When used in train engines, it emits only water vapor and heat—no carbon dioxide, smog, or particulate matter.

2. The “Hydrogen for Heritage” Initiative: A Vision Takes Shape

India’s ambitious “Hydrogen for Heritage” project plans to introduce 35 green hydrogen-powered trains on eight picturesque heritage and hill routes like Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and Nigiri Mountain Railway.

Each train set, with six coaches, is projected to cost ₹80 crore. Ground-level refueling and storage infrastructure will add another ₹70 crore per route.

A budgetary allocation of ₹2,800 crore supports the train sets, with an additional ₹600 crore earmarked for infrastructure—taking total project outlay to around ₹3,400 crore.

3. A Smarter Train, Creature of Innovation

India isn’t just importing existing tech—it’s pushing the envelope:

• The first hydrogen-powered coach was successfully tested at Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory (ICF), led by Railways Minister Ashwini Vishnaw, calling it “a landmark step” toward future-ready railways.
  
  
• India’s engine—boasting a whopping 1,200 horsepower—is now the most powerful hydrogen train engine in the world, far surpassing the typical 500–600 HP engines elsewhere.
  
  

4. Trial Runs: Fuel Cells Powered by Renewable Energy

The pilot project is underway on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana:

• A DEMU (Diesel-Electric Multiple Unit) is being retrofitted with hydrogen fuel cells at a cost of ₹111.83 crore (including infrastructure).
  
  
• The hydrogen will be generated by a 1 MW electrolyser in Jind, producing approximately 420–430 kg of green hydrogen per day. Fuel storage of 3,000 kg, compressors, and dispensers will support daily operations.
  
  
• The trial run commenced in December 2024, with safety vetting by Germany’s TUV-SUD.
  
  

5. Why Green Hydrogen Trains Matter

Benefit	Description
Zero Emissions	Only water vapor – no greenhouse gases or pollutants!
No Overhead Wires Needed	Ideal for remote, non-electrified heritage routes were setting up electric lines is tricky and costly.
Powerful Performance	1,200 HP engine ensures this heritage trains are not just eco-friendly—they are fast and robust.

6. The Price Tag — And Why It’s Worth It

• Train Cost: ₹80 crore per trainset.
• Infrastructure: ₹70 crore per route.
• Pilot Retrofit: ₹111.83 crore for the initial DEMU conversion.
  
  

While these numbers might sound steep—similar to the cost of a 16-coach Vande Bharat train—supporters argue that price will fall with scale, and this initiative matches national goals for sustainable, green transport.

7. Challenges Ahead Hydrogen for Heritage initiative

Operational Costs: Green hydrogen currently costs ~₹492/kg in India. Running trains on it may be ~27% more expensive than diesel alternatives.

Experts caution that direct grid electrification of trains is simpler and cheaper in many cases—raising valid questions about cost-effectiveness versus scalability.

8. Bigger Picture: A Mission for Clean Energy

Hydrogen trains support broader national strategies:

• Part of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in 2023 with ₹19,744 crore funding.
• Funds major R&D, electrolyzed manufacturing, and green hydrogen production centers.
  
  

Pilot projects like this help reduce fossil fuel imports, cut emissions, and position India as a global leader in green energy solutions. Hydrogen fuel cell trains in India

9. Global Context: India Joins the Green Train League

India becomes the fifth country to trial hydrogen trains, joining Germany, France, Sweden, and China.

Germany’s Alstom Coradia iLint model provides precedent—but India’s 1,200 HP engine is now a new benchmark.

10. What Experts and Communities Are Saying

Some voices on Reddit are skeptical:

“Hydrogen fuel cell trains will never be a long-term solution. They are too expensive, complicated and unnecessary.”

Others remain optimistic, highlighting how aggressive cost cuts by firms like Hy Genco are making green hydrogen financially competitive with grey hydrogen.

11. What Lies Ahead?

• Scaling Infrastructure: More electrolyser plants and refuelling stations.
• Cost Breakthroughs: Economies of scale, tech improvements, and mass production could reduce hydrogen costs rapidly.
• Wider Adoption: If pilots succeed, hydrogen trains could expand beyond heritage routes to broader parts of Indian Rail.
• Net-Zero Alignment: This project dovetails with India’s zero-carbon goals—especially important in climate-sensitive areas.
  
  

Conclusion

Green hydrogen trains in India are more than a technology experiment—they’re a bold step toward cleaner, more sustainable railway travel. While they come with high initial costs, their benefits—zero emissions, no need for extensive electrification, and heritage-friendly deployment—offer a compelling way forward.

With 35 hydrogen-powered trains, each costing ₹80 crore plus associated infrastructure, India is setting the stage for green transit innovation. As cost efficiencies improve and experience grows, these trains could spread across the network, cementing India’s future in green mobility. India’s first hydrogen-powered train

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is green hydrogen?
Green hydrogen is hydrogen fuel produced using renewable energy like solar and wind through water electrolysis, with zero carbon emissions.

Q2: How many hydrogen trains will India launch?
India plans to roll out 35 hydrogen-powered trains on heritage and hill routes under the Hydrogen for Heritage project.

Q3: What is the cost of each hydrogen train in India?
Each train set, with six coaches, will cost around ₹80 crore, with another ₹70 crore per route for refuelling and infrastructure.

Q4: When will India’s first hydrogen train run?
The trial runs started in December 2024 on the Jind–Sonipat route, with regular operations planned after successful tests.

Q5: What are the benefits of hydrogen trains?
They produce zero emissions, require no overhead wires, are suitable for remote routes, and emit only water vapor.

Q6: What challenges do hydrogen trains face in India?
The main challenges are high fuel costs, infrastructure setup, and proving economic viability compared to electrification.

Q7: Which countries already use hydrogen trains?
Countries like Germany, France, China, and Sweden already operate hydrogen-powered trains.