Delhi, Kalka-Shimla And More: These Routes Could See The Next Hydrogen Trains In India
Delhi, Kalka-Shimla And More: These Routes Could See The Next Hydrogen Trains In India Published By, Last Updated: July 27, 2026, 10:19 IST Railways has
Delhi, Kalka-Shimla And More: These Routes Could See The Next Hydrogen Trains In India Published By, Last Updated: July 27, 2026, 10:19 IST Railways has announced plans to develop 35 hydrogen-powered trains for eight heritage and hill railway routes Rapid Read The hydrogen-powered train will have one of the cheapest fares on the Indian Railways network. Ticket prices will range from ₹5 to ₹25, making it an affordable option for daily commuters. Just over a week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train, the project has already crossed an important milestone. Operating on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway in Haryana, the train has travelled more than 1,200 kilometres, replacing over 3,200 litres of diesel with a propulsion system that emits only water vapour. The successful pilot has not only demonstrated the viability of hydrogen-powered rail transport in India but has also shifted attention to the next question: where will these trains run next? The answer is likely to come in phases. While the Jind-Sonipat service remains India’s only operational hydrogen corridor, Indian Railways has already indicated that the next round of trials will move to the Delhi region. Beyond that, a mix of officially identified heritage routes and expert-suggested corridors could shape the future of hydrogen-powered rail travel in the country. Why Jind-Sonipat Became India’s First Hydrogen Corridor The 89-km Jind-Sonipat route was not chosen by chance. According to the Ministry of Railways, it offered the right mix of moderate passenger traffic, manageable operating conditions and space to develop India’s first integrated hydrogen rail ecosystem.
Besides the 10-coach train itself, the project includes a dedicated hydrogen production, storage, compression and dispensing facility at Jind. The train is powered by hydrogen fuel cells, which generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Unlike diesel locomotives, the only direct by-product is water vapour. The pilot is as much about testing hydrogen storage, refuelling systems and operational safety as it is about running a passenger service. Officials say the experience gained here will determine how quickly the technology can be expanded elsewhere. Delhi Expected To Be The Next Testing Ground With the Haryana pilot progressing smoothly, Indian Railways has said the next phase of operations will shift to the Delhi region. While the exact route has not yet been announced, the move is expected to test the train under busier operating conditions and denser passenger traffic than the relatively low-density Jind-Sonipat corridor. A successful Delhi trial would provide valuable operational data before hydrogen trains are deployed more widely. Heritage Railways Are High On The Long-Term Roadmap The biggest clue to Indian Railways’ future plans lies in its ‘Hydrogen for Heritage’ programme. Under this initiative, Railways has announced plans to develop 35 hydrogen-powered trains for eight heritage and hill railway routes, where conventional electrification may either be environmentally undesirable or technically challenging. The programme is intended not only to cut emissions but also to build domestic expertise in hydrogen propulsion, storage, maintenance and safety. Although Railways has not officially named all eight routes for deployment, heritage railways are widely seen as the natural fit for hydrogen technology because they continue to rely largely on diesel traction while operating through ecologically sensitive areas.
The BriefWire