The Ministry of Railways has formally approved the introduction of India’s first daily hydrogen-powered passenger train service. Operating on the Jind-Sonipat pilot section under Northern Railway’s Delhi Division, the green trainset will run as train numbers 74010 and 74009, bringing emission-free public transit to central Haryana.
According to the approved daily schedule, train number 74010 will depart from Jind at 7:40 a.m. and arrive at Sonipat at 9:40 a.m. In the return direction, train number 74009 will depart from Sonipat at 10:40 a.m. and reach Jind at 1:00 p.m. The daily service will feature commercial stoppages at thirteen intermediate stations, including Jind City, Pandu Pindara, Lalit Khera, Bhambeva, Ishapur Kheri, Butana, Khandrai, Gohana, Rabhra, Lath, Mohana Haryana, and Barwasni.
The launch follows a successful regulatory framework setup and a comprehensive trial run completed in June between Delhi and Jind, which rigorously evaluated train oscillation and emergency braking distances. Built on a broad-gauge platform by the Integral Coach Factory, the 10-car indigenous trainset consists of two driving power cars and eight passenger coaches. It operates using a 1,200 kW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system, generating a combined traction output of 2,400 kW to achieve a maximum operational speed of 75 kmph.
By utilizing advanced hydrogen fuel cells, the system blends compressed hydrogen with atmospheric oxygen to generate on-board electricity, releasing only water vapour and heat as by-products. This green technology offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuel traction systems on non-electrified routes. With this project, India joins an elite group of nations, including Germany, Japan, China, and the United States, that are implementing hydrogen fuel solutions to hit net-zero transit targets.
To ensure efficient operations, an indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has been established at Jind, equipped with a specialized compression system, backup compressor units, and critical technical spares. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation has already granted the necessary clearance for storing and dispensing compressed hydrogen at the site. For maximum security, the facility features integrated flame and hydrogen leak detectors that will undergo routine inspection. Furthermore, standard operating procedures, safety audits, and maintenance manuals approved by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation have been instituted at Delhi’s Shakurbasti depot, where the train will be hauled in a deactivated condition for regular servicing.
