India Plans Hydrogen Train Operations at 110 kmph
Indian Railways is working to increase the maximum operational speed of India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train to 110 kmph after successfully completing trials at speeds of up to 120 kmph, Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar has said.
India Hydrogen Train Targets 110 kmph Speed
Kumar said the train’s operational speed has currently been restricted to 75 kmph, but successful higher-speed testing has allowed Railways to explore raising the limit to 110 kmph.
Consultations are underway with stakeholders to identify suitable railway sections for expanded hydrogen train operations. Officials are also examining technical requirements and the availability of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure before deciding on additional routes.
Jind-Sonipat Hydrogen Train Runs in Haryana
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered train on July 17, 2026, on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana.
Developed by Indian Railways, the train uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity onboard through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The process produces water vapour and heat as by-products without direct tailpipe carbon emissions.
The project is being operated as a pilot to assess the technology’s reliability, operational feasibility and potential for wider deployment across the railway network.
Indian Railways Expands Green Mobility Plans
Railways has positioned hydrogen technology as one component of its wider push towards cleaner transport, particularly on routes where conventional electrification may present operational or infrastructure challenges.
Kumar also said four additional Vande Bharat sleeper trains have been completed and are expected to be inaugurated shortly. Indian Railways is projected to receive another 11 Vande Bharat sleeper trains during 2026.
Around 200 Vande Bharat sleeper trains are also planned under the public-private partnership model as Railways expands long-distance passenger capacity alongside investment in new propulsion technologies.
