India Tests First Hydrogen-Powered Rail Coach at ICF Chennai

Indian Railways has reached a significant milestone with the successful trial of the country’s first hydrogen-powered coach. The test was conducted at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, according to an announcement made by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday.

Sharing the update on X, the Minister said, “First hydrogen-powered coach (Driving Power Car) successfully tested at ICF, Chennai. India is developing a 1,200 horsepower hydrogen train. This will place India among the leaders in hydrogen-powered train technology.”

This development forms part of Indian Railways’ broader initiative to shift towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation. Under the “Hydrogen for Heritage” programme, the railway plans to introduce 35 hydrogen-powered trains that will primarily operate on heritage and hill routes. Each train is estimated to cost approximately ₹80 crore, with an additional ₹70 crore allocated per route for necessary ground infrastructure.

In parallel, a pilot project is underway to retrofit an existing Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) with a hydrogen fuel cell. This initiative, including the development of ground facilities, is being carried out at an estimated cost of ₹111.83 crore. The pilot service is expected to operate on the Jind to Sonipat route in Northern Railway.

Although the operational costs of hydrogen trains in India are still being assessed, initial projections suggest higher running costs that could decline with wider adoption. Despite the current economic challenges, hydrogen fuel is gaining attention for its environmental advantages, particularly its zero carbon emissions, positioning it as a key solution in India’s clean energy roadmap.

India’s commitment to hydrogen-powered mobility is also visible in other transport sectors. In 2024, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri showcased a hydrogen-fuelled bus developed by Indian Oil during the visit of Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay to India.