India’s first hydrogen train! Haryana pilot on Jind–Sonipat route enters final stage; launch expected soon – key features

Haryana is set to witness the launch of India’s first hydrogen-powered train, with Northern Railway’s pilot project between Jind and Sonipat entering its final stages.A Haryana government statement said a stable and uninterrupted 11 kV power supply has been ensured for the hydrogen plant at Jind, which will fuel the train during commissioning and regular operations.The hydrogen plant has a storage capacity of 3,000 kilograms and is currently in its final commissioning phase. Haryana chief secretary Anurag Rastogi recently reviewed the project with officials of Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam and directed regular monitoring of the power supply system to avoid any disruption. He also stressed the need for strong backup arrangements and quick-response mechanisms to support the project.Last month, railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the Lok Sabha that Indian Railways has taken up a state-of-the-art pilot project to run its first hydrogen-powered train. He said the train has been developed as per specifications framed by the Research, Design and Standards Organisation to demonstrate hydrogen-based train technology. Vaishnaw added that manufacturing of the hydrogen train-set has been completed and hydrogen for the train will be produced at the Jind plant using the electrolysis process, a key component of green hydrogen generation.The hydrogen train has already reached Jind junction and is expected to begin its maiden journey soon on the Jind–Gohana–Sonipat route. Trial runs have been completed successfully, officials said. The eight-coach train, built at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, has power cars at both ends and is designed with a metro-style layout, with doors that close fully before departure to enhance passenger safety.Special features of the train-

An official associated with the project said that all preparations are in place, though the final decision on the launch date rests with higher authorities.He said the train’s speed limit has been set at 110 km per hour and all technical aspects are being thoroughly checked.