India to launch Hydrogen Train in May 2025, Ashwini Vaishnaw's Big Announcement

New Delhi: India will launch its first hydrogen-powered train in May 2025, announced Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at The Republic Plenary Summit 2025 . 

Manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, India’s first hydrogen fuel train is expected to begin operations this month. The train is designed to run on clean energy, reducing India’s reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to environmental sustainability. 

Everything You Need to Know About Hydrogen-powered Train 

The Ministry of Railways has allocated ₹2,800 crore ($337 million) in the 2023-24 fiscal year for the development of 35 hydrogen fuel cell-based trains.

In a significant technological achievement, India’s hydrogen train will be powered by a 1,200 horsepower (HP) hydrogen engine, setting a global benchmark. This engine is significantly more powerful than the typical hydrogen train engines developed by other countries, which generally have capacities between 500-600 HP.

The first hydrogen-powered train will operate on the 89-km Jind–Sonipat section in the Northern Railway’s Delhi Division, helping to pave the way for cleaner, more sustainable rail transportation. With this initiative, India joins the ranks of countries like Germany, France, China, and the UK, who have already adopted hydrogen rail technology as part of their efforts to decarbonize transportation systems.