Indian Railways has introduced its first domestically manufactured hydrogen fuel cell multiple-unit into revenue service, according to railwaygazette.com. The trainset began operating on July 19 on the 89 km Jind–Gohana–Sonipat section of Northern Railway.

The prototype was formally launched two days earlier by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It consists of two power cars equipped with a 1,200 kW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system and eight passenger cars, offering capacity for 2,600 passengers.

The hydrogen multiple-unit was developed and built at Indian Railways’ Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. The trainset was converted from an existing diesel-electric unit by replacing the diesel engines in each power car with a hydrogen fuel cell traction package.

Ballard Power Systems supplied the hydrogen propulsion and fuel cell systems. BFG India provided various glass fibre reinforced plastic components, including streamlined aerodynamic front ends and interior parts.

The train is designed for a maximum speed of 110 km/h but is currently restricted to 75 km/h in initial service.

The project was led by the Research, Design & Standards Organisation as part of Indian Railways’ Hydrogen for Heritage initiative. This programme aims to test hydrogen traction on non-electrified lines or routes where electrification is difficult.

To support the deployment, hydrogen production, storage and refuelling infrastructure has been installed at Jind. The facility can store up to 3,000 kg of hydrogen at a time. The proton exchange membrane electrolyser and refuelling systems were supplied by GreenH Electrolysis.

Before entering revenue operation, the system underwent an independent safety assessment by TÜV SÜD.

India joins a growing number of countries exploring hydrogen traction for rail. The technology offers a zero-emission alternative for routes where overhead electrification is not feasible. The Hydrogen for Heritage initiative is expected to provide valuable operational data for future deployments.