Infrastructure★ Must Know

India's first hydrogen train completes 120 kmph trial run on Jind-Sonipat section

5 min readSource: Business TodayArticle 1 of 16

India's first hydrogen-powered train successfully completed its final 120 kmph speed trial on June 26, 2026, running from Jind in Haryana on the Jind-Sonipat section of the Northern Railway. The 10-coach train is powered by a 1,200 kW hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion system and is designed to run at a commercial speed of up to 75 kmph, though trials were conducted at up to 120 kmph. The successful run, monitored by railway officials, is a key step before the train enters passenger service once the remaining operational and regulatory formalities are completed. The project is part of Indian Railways' push to cut carbon emissions through green hydrogen-based traction.

Key Facts & Details

9 points
  • 1
    India's first hydrogen-powered train completed a 120 kmph speed trial on June 26, 2026.
  • 2
    The trial ran from Jind on the Jind-Sonipat section of the Northern Railway in Haryana.
  • 3
    The train has 10 coaches and a 1,200 kW hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion system.
  • 4
    Its commercial operating speed will be up to 75 kmph, with trials done at up to 120 kmph.
  • 5
    The run is a precursor to passenger service, pending final regulatory clearances.
  • 6
    It is part of Indian Railways' drive to cut carbon emissions via green hydrogen.

Deep Dive

  • +
    Hydrogen fuel-cell trains emit only water vapour, making them a zero-emission alternative to diesel traction on non-electrified routes.
  • +
    India aims to deploy hydrogen trains under its 'Hydrogen for Heritage' and green-mobility initiatives.
  • +
    The Jind-Sonipat section was chosen as the pilot route to test the technology under real operating conditions.
Q

Exam Focus

On which railway section did India's first hydrogen train complete its 120 kmph trial?

Related Topics

Hydrogen trainIndian RailwaysGreen hydrogenSustainable transport

Exam Relevance & Angle

Indian Railways milestones and green-energy initiatives are frequently tested, especially in RRB and banking GA. The 'first hydrogen train', the Jind-Sonipat route, the 120 kmph trial speed and the fuel-cell technology are precise exam hooks.

Target Exams

SBI POSBI ClerkIBPS POIBPS ClerkIBPS RRB OfficerIBPS RRB AssistantRBI Grade BRBI AssistantNABARD Grade ASSC CGLSSC CHSLRRB NTPCRRB Group DRRB ALPLIC AAOUPSC CSEState PCS

Background & Context

A hydrogen fuel-cell train generates electricity onboard by combining hydrogen with oxygen in a fuel cell, emitting only water vapour and offering a zero-emission alternative to diesel on non-electrified lines. Indian Railways, one of the world's largest rail networks, is pursuing net-zero carbon emissions and has been developing indigenous hydrogen trains, with the Jind-Sonipat stretch in Haryana selected as a pilot route. The technology supports India's broader National Green Hydrogen Mission and its decarbonisation goals, complementing the ongoing electrification of the rail network.

Related GK Concepts

Must Know
Hydrogen fuel cellIndian RailwaysGreen hydrogenNet-zero emissionsDecarbonisation

Test Yourself

1 / 2

India's first hydrogen train completed its 120 kmph trial on which section?

This topic is important for:

India's first hydrogen train completes 120 kmph trial run on Jind-Sonipat section — Current Affairs 2026-06-26