India’s pioneering hydrogen-powered passenger train has successfully completed high-speed testing, marking a crucial step in the country’s low-carbon railway ambitions and positioning it among global leaders in hydrogen rail technology.
India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train has completed another round of high-speed trials on the Delhi-Jind corridor, marking a significant step in the country’s effort to cut rail emissions and expand low-carbon traction beyond the electrified network.
According to officials cited in local reports, the train reached 120 kmph during testing on the Jind-Sonipat section, where engineers assessed emergency braking distance, oscillation and other safety parameters. The train’s commercial operating speed is expected to be capped at 75 kmph when it eventually enters passenger service.
The latest run follows an earlier trial between Sonipat and Jind and comes after the Railway Board approved the introduction of a 10-coach hydrogen fuel cell trainset in May. Indian Railways has not announced a date for public operations, but the project is understood to be advancing through its final technical and regulatory stages.
The train is being positioned as a showcase for hydrogen fuel cell traction in one of the world’s largest rail systems. The conversion programme replaces the diesel equipment of a DEMU with fuel cell technology developed by Medha Servo Drives, working with Ballard Power Systems on the hydrogen propulsion side. Officials say the train has two driving power cars and a combined output of 2,400 kW, making it the most powerful hydrogen-powered broad-gauge train currently reported.
The supporting infrastructure is equally important. Indian Railways has built a dedicated hydrogen production and refuelling facility at Jind, where a 1 MW PEM electrolyser can produce roughly 420 to 430 kilograms of hydrogen a day. The site reportedly has storage for 3,000 kilograms and two dispensing units, enabling refuelling for the trainset. Officials say the train can travel about 250 kilometres on a single tank.
The technology works by generating electricity on board through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, with water vapour as the only direct emission. Battery packs aboard the train store excess energy and capture power from regenerative braking, helping to smooth acceleration and improve efficiency. For railway operators, that makes hydrogen especially attractive on routes that are costly or difficult to electrify, including heritage lines and remote stretches of the network.
Indian Railways has framed the project as part of its wider net-zero ambition and its “Hydrogen for Heritage” programme, under which hydrogen-powered trains are planned for 35 routes. Each train is estimated to cost about ₹80 crore, while route-level hydrogen production and refuelling infrastructure is expected to require around ₹70 crore.
The trial also places India among a small group of countries testing or operating hydrogen passenger rail. Germany launched the first commercial hydrogen train service in 2018, and Japan, China and the United States have also developed similar systems. For Indian Railways, the challenge now is less about proving the concept than about scaling it safely, economically and reliably across a network where decarbonisation remains as much an infrastructure question as a technology one.
- https://www.oneindia.com/india/indias-first-hydrogen-powered-train-hits-120-kmph-in-trials-how-does-it-generate-its-own-electrici-8131791.html – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20260626/4467797.html – A trial run of a hydrogen-powered train was conducted on Friday between Delhi and Jind, focusing on key parameters including emergency braking distance and train oscillation. Last month, on May 27, Indian Railways approved the introduction of a 10-car Hydrogen Fuel Cell-based trainset on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway. The trainset is ‘all set to start soon’ and will run at a maximum speed of 75 kmph using a ‘1200 KW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system.’ The move aims to promote cleaner and more energy-efficient rail transport. The ministry stated that hydrogen fuel cell technology ‘generates electricity through a chemical reaction using hydrogen, with water vapour as the only emission,’ making it ‘a clean alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based traction systems.’ ([news.webindia123.com](https://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20260626/4467797.html?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.dynamitenews.com/technology/indias-1st-hydrogen-train-completes-delhi-jind-trial-at-120-kmph/amp – India’s first hydrogen-powered train has successfully completed a trial run between Delhi and Jind, marking a major step forward in Indian Railways’ plan to introduce cleaner and greener passenger transport. The latest trial was conducted after an earlier test run between Sonipat and Jind. According to officials, the Delhi-Jind trial focused on key safety and performance parameters, including emergency braking distance and oscillation behaviour. ([dynamitenews.com](https://www.dynamitenews.com/technology/indias-1st-hydrogen-train-completes-delhi-jind-trial-at-120-kmph/amp?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.republicworld.com/india/indias-first-hydrogen-powered-train-successfully-completes-trial-run-watch-2026-06-27-130220 – India has achieved a significant milestone in green transportation as its first hydrogen-powered train successfully completed its trial run on the Delhi-Jind route. The train reached a top speed of 120 kmph during the trials, demonstrating strong performance in real-world operating conditions. Engineers also successfully tested critical safety parameters, including emergency braking and oscillation performance, confirming the train’s stability and reliability at high speeds. This hydrogen-powered train represents a major step forward in India’s efforts to decarbonize its vast railway network. Unlike conventional diesel locomotives, hydrogen fuel cell technology produces zero direct emissions, releasing only water vapor and warm air, making it an environmentally friendly alternative for both passenger and freight services. The successful trials on the Delhi-Jind section validate the train’s readiness for further extensive testing and potential deployment on Indian tracks. ([republicworld.com](https://www.republicworld.com/india/indias-first-hydrogen-powered-train-successfully-completes-trial-run-watch-2026-06-27-130220?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/indias-first-hydrogen-train-clears-final-trial-1966548 – India’s first hydrogen-powered train successfully completed its final high-speed trial on the Jind-Sonipat section in Haryana on Friday, marking a key step towards cleaner rail transport. The train was tested at a top speed of 120 kmph on the Northern Railway route, with the successful run seen as a precursor to its entry into passenger service after completion of regulatory and operational formalities. Developed as part of Indian Railways’ strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, the train uses hydrogen fuel-cell technology, which generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water vapour. The Jind-Sonipat section was selected as the pilot route for testing under real operating conditions. Supporting infrastructure, including hydrogen production, storage and refuelling facilities, has been set up at Jind. Railways officials said the train is equipped with safety systems such as hydrogen leak detectors, flame detection equipment and continuous monitoring mechanisms to ensure safe operations. The successful trial places India among a group of countries working on hydrogen-powered trains, as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable transport. ([deccanchronicle.com](https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/indias-first-hydrogen-train-clears-final-trial-1966548?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.opindia.com/news-updates/indian-railways-approves-indias-first-hydrogen-fuel-cell-train/ – In a significant move towards green and sustainable transportation, the Indian Railways, on 27th May, approved the introduction of a 10-car Hydrogen Fuel Cell-based train on the dedicated Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway. The trainset will soon commence operation at a maximum speed of 75 kmph, powered by a 1200 KW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system, the ministry said. The Jind-Sonipat section in Haryana has been identified as the pilot route for these operations. An indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has been set up at Jind for the train set. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has granted the required licence for storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas at the site, the Railways Ministry said in an official statement. Regarding how Hydrogen Fuel Cell-based technology is used in trains and its relevance, the ministry said, “Hydrogen fuel cell technology generates electricity through a chemical reaction using hydrogen, with water vapour as the only emission, making it a clean alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based traction systems. Hydrogen-based rail systems are increasingly being recognised globally as a promising solution for sustainable mobility.” According to the Ministry of Railways, with this project, India has joined a select group of countries such as Germany, Japan, China and the United States that are exploring the use of hydrogen for cleaner rail transportation. “As the technology is still at a nascent stage, only a limited number of countries are currently operating or testing such systems,” the ministry said. ([opindia.com](https://www.opindia.com/news-updates/indian-railways-approves-indias-first-hydrogen-fuel-cell-train/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.pv-magazine-india.com/2021/08/09/indian-railways-tenders-hydrogen-fuel-cell-technology-for-trains/ – The Indian Railways has tendered a hydrogen fuel cell technology for trains, exploring its potential for sustainable rail transportation. Further details are expected as the project progresses.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The article was published on June 28, 2026, reporting on a trial conducted on June 26, 2026. The content is recent and not recycled. However, similar reports have appeared in other reputable sources, such as the Financial Express and India Today, which published articles on June 27, 2026, about the same event. ([financialexpress.com](https://www.financialexpress.com/business/railways-indias-first-ever-hydrogen-train-nears-launch-key-safety-trial-conducted-in-haryana-4277644/lite/?utm_source=openai)) This suggests that the narrative is not entirely original. Additionally, the article includes technical details about the train’s specifications and the trial, which are consistent with information from other sources. While the content is fresh, the lack of unique insights or original reporting raises concerns about its originality. The presence of similar content across multiple reputable outlets indicates that the article may be summarizing existing information rather than providing new, independently verified details. This lack of originality and potential reliance on other sources for content reduces the freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The article includes direct quotes attributed to officials and engineers involved in the trials. However, these quotes are not independently verifiable through online searches, raising concerns about their authenticity. The absence of verifiable sources for these quotes diminishes the credibility of the reporting. Without access to the original statements or press releases, it’s challenging to confirm the accuracy of the quotes, which affects the overall trustworthiness of the article.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The article is published by Oneindia News, a news aggregator known for republishing content from other sources. This practice raises questions about the originality and independence of the reporting. The lack of direct attribution to primary sources or original reporting further diminishes the reliability of the article. While Oneindia News may provide timely updates, its reputation for aggregating content without substantial original reporting affects the overall trustworthiness of the source.
Plausibility check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about India’s first hydrogen-powered train completing a 120 kmph trial on June 26, 2026, are plausible and align with reports from other reputable sources. The technical details provided, such as the train’s specifications and the trial’s objectives, are consistent with known information about the project. However, the lack of unique insights or original reporting in the article raises questions about its depth and comprehensiveness. The reliance on summarizing existing information without adding new perspectives or details affects the overall value of the content.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The article provides a summary of India’s first hydrogen-powered train completing a 120 kmph trial on June 26, 2026. While the content is recent and plausible, the lack of original reporting, reliance on aggregating existing information, and unverifiable quotes raise significant concerns about its credibility and trustworthiness. The absence of unique insights or original reporting diminishes the overall value of the content. Given these issues, the article does not meet the necessary standards for publication.
