Concord Control Systems to develop 3,100 HP hydrogen-powered locomotive propulsion system for NTPC

Concord Control Systems Limited has announced plans to develop a 3,100 horsepower hydrogen-fuelled locomotive propulsion system through its wholly owned subsidiary Advance Rail Controls Pvt. Ltd. (ARCPL), following the award of a ₹47 crore work order from NTPC Limited.

The project involves converting an existing diesel locomotive into a hydrogen-powered unit rated at 3,100 HP. According to the companies, this would be the highest-horsepower diesel-to-hydrogen locomotive conversion undertaken to date, exceeding earlier hydrogen rail applications that have typically operated at significantly lower power levels.

ARCPL will execute the project in collaboration with Railway Engineering Works. The propulsion system is intended for commercial deployment rather than laboratory testing, with a focus on freight-scale operations to assess the real-world viability of hydrogen as a fuel for heavy-duty rail transport.

NTPC, which has been expanding its activities in green hydrogen, has positioned the hydrogen locomotive as a flagship demonstration project. The initiative is expected to support hydrogen demand creation while contributing to the decarbonisation of non-electrified rail operations.

Speaking on the announcement, Gaurav Lath, Joint Managing Director, Concord Control Systems Limited, said, “At Concord, we are proud to pioneer the world’s first 3,100 HP hydrogen locomotive propulsion system for the Public Sector giant NTPC on this nationally significant green hydrogen initiative. As a research-backed railway technology company, our conviction is to push the boundaries of innovation, and our promise is to deliver propulsion systems that meaningfully advance the global journey towards zero emissions. Hydrogen-powered locomotives represent a decisive step in creating future-ready, sustainable railway starting in India, aiming for the world.”

Nitin Jain, Joint Managing Director, Concord Control Systems Limited, said, “This landmark project represents a significant step forward in India’s clean mobility journey. The development of a high-horsepower hydrogen and battery-powered locomotive underscores the strength of indigenous engineering and cross-sector collaboration. We are proud to work with NTPC as our customer to deliver a solution that supports India’s decarbonization goals while setting new global benchmarks in sustainable rail technology.”

Commenting on the award of the project, Dr. Ritwick Ghosh of NTPC said, “This is a dream realized as a Mechanical Engineer and a passionate hydrogen enthusiast, building from a conceptual thought to a project award. The project will also solve the hydrogen off-taker deficit. This is also the moment where we see how Public Sectors make a difference in developing the country’s infrastructure in energy transition by taking a step beyond the regular limits and how private sectors support things through taking risks. I am now excited to see how we go from Paper to Track.”

The hydrogen locomotive programme aligns with Indian Railways’ stated objective of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, ahead of India’s economy-wide net-zero target of 2070. It also supports broader national efforts to scale up green hydrogen production and adoption across industrial and transport sectors.