New Delhi: India has taken a significant step toward sustainable transport with the successful testing of its first hydrogen-powered train coach at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the achievement by sharing a video of the test run, calling it a historic milestone in green rail technology.
“This marks India’s entry into the select group of countries leading in hydrogen-powered train innovation,” the minister posted on social media, adding that a 1,200 HP hydrogen-powered train is currently in development. The tested unit, known as the Driving Power Car, is designed to reduce carbon emissions and promote cleaner energy alternatives in rail transport.
As part of the Indian Railways’ broader sustainability initiative, 35 hydrogen-powered trains are set to operate under the “Hydrogen for Heritage” programme. Each train will cost around ₹80 crore, with an additional ₹70 crore per route needed for infrastructure development, especially in heritage and hilly areas. A ₹111.83 crore pilot project is also underway to retrofit a Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) with hydrogen fuel cells, expected to run on the Jind–Sonipat section in Northern Railway.
While hydrogen-powered trains may initially incur higher operational costs, officials expect these to decrease with scaling and innovation. The move aligns with India’s long-term commitment to zero carbon emissions and the adoption of clean, renewable energy in public transport.
