New Delhi: The question of whether hydrogen-fuelled trains are costlier than conventional trains has become a matter of public interest, especially as India takes its first steps toward introducing green hydrogen-powered rail technology. Addressing this issue in a written statement to the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that comparing the costs of hydrogen-fuelled trains with established railway systems at this stage would not be appropriate, given that the hydrogen train-set and its supporting infrastructure have been developed entirely on a pilot basis.

Vaishnaw noted that the Indian Railways has undertaken a pioneering project to operate its first hydrogen train on a pilot scale. This effort, he explained, represents a comprehensive initiative encompassing design, manufacturing, and implementation of cutting-edge hydrogen traction technology within India’s railway network. According to the minister, the hydrogen train project is aligned with the specifications and standards framed by the Research, Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO), which ensures that the demonstration of hydrogen-powered rail technology adheres to the highest safety and operational norms.

Development and Manufacturing of the Hydrogen Train-Set

The manufacturing of the hydrogen train-set, Vaishnaw highlighted, has been completed, marking a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of sustainable transportation. The train-set is powered by hydrogen, produced through an electrolysis process, which forms the core of green hydrogen generation. The hydrogen required for the train’s operation is sourced from a dedicated hydrogen plant being developed in Jind, Haryana. This facility is designed to produce hydrogen in an environmentally sustainable manner, showcasing the Railways’ commitment to green energy initiatives and clean mobility solutions.

The minister elaborated that the development of the hydrogen train involved end-to-end design from the initial stages. This included prototype manufacturing and first-time development of hydrogen traction technology tailored specifically for Indian Railways. “As the Hydrogen Train-set and its infrastructure have been developed on a pilot basis, direct comparison of the cost of hydrogen-fuelled trains with established traction systems at this stage would not present a fair cost comparison,” Vaishnaw asserted.

Strategic Significance of Hydrogen Trains

The introduction of hydrogen-powered trains represents more than just a technological experiment. It reflects India’s broader commitment to sustainable transport and the government’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India. Vaishnaw underscored that the hydrogen train-set is designed and developed entirely in the country, leveraging domestic expertise in research, design, and manufacturing. This aligns with the government’s long-term strategy to reduce dependency on fossil fuels while simultaneously fostering indigenous technological capabilities.

The hydrogen train-set, according to the minister, is currently the world’s longest and most powerful hydrogen-powered train on a broad-gauge platform. Its configuration includes two Driving Power Cars, each with a capacity of 1,200 kW, resulting in a combined power output of 2,400 kW. These power cars are coupled with eight passenger cars, making the train both high-capacity and high-performance. Vaishnaw highlighted that the train-set’s specifications demonstrate Indian Railways’ capability to adopt and operationalize advanced propulsion technologies while maintaining safety, efficiency, and passenger comfort.

Pilot Basis and Cost Considerations

One of the primary reasons the minister stressed that cost comparisons with conventional trains would be unfair is the pilot nature of the project. Unlike well-established traction systems such as electric or diesel trains, hydrogen traction is at an experimental stage in India. Developing a pilot project entails higher initial costs due to research and development, prototype manufacturing, specialized training, and the creation of supporting infrastructure such as hydrogen refuelling stations. These costs are inherently higher when undertaken for a first-of-its-kind technology deployment and are not representative of the eventual cost-efficiency achievable when the technology is scaled.

Vaishnaw pointed out that drawing a direct comparison between hydrogen-fuelled trains and traditional traction systems would therefore provide an incomplete picture. The conventional trains have the advantage of decades of optimization, economies of scale, established supply chains, and operational familiarity. In contrast, the hydrogen train project involves creating entirely new systems from scratch, which naturally results in higher upfront investment. However, the focus, the minister emphasized, is not solely on cost but on demonstrating the feasibility, safety, and efficiency of hydrogen-powered rail transport.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

The hydrogen train initiative is part of Indian Railways’ larger plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in the coming decades. Hydrogen-powered trains, especially those using green hydrogen produced via electrolysis from renewable energy sources, can significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to diesel locomotives. By producing hydrogen locally and using it for rail transport, India can reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels, promote renewable energy utilization, and contribute to global climate goals.

Vaishnaw’s statement emphasized that the pilot project would provide valuable data and insights on operational performance, energy efficiency, and maintenance requirements for hydrogen trains. These insights will be critical in scaling up the technology across longer routes and integrating it into the broader railway network. As the Indian Railways gains experience in hydrogen traction, the technology is expected to become more cost-effective and operationally viable, ultimately leading to more widespread adoption.

Technological Innovation and Atmanirbhar Bharat

The hydrogen train project also represents a significant milestone in India’s technological innovation landscape. By developing the train-set domestically, India is demonstrating its ability to create high-tech solutions in the railway sector, reducing dependency on foreign technology and expertise. The project underscores the government’s emphasis on innovation-driven growth and the importance of self-reliance in strategic sectors.

Vaishnaw highlighted that every component, from design to manufacturing and operational integration, has been developed with a focus on indigenization. This effort not only strengthens the domestic industrial ecosystem but also positions India as a global player in advanced rail technologies. The experience gained from this pilot project is expected to spur further research and development in hydrogen traction, battery systems, and other sustainable mobility solutions.

Future Prospects and Policy Implications

While the hydrogen train project is currently at a pilot stage, its successful demonstration could pave the way for broader adoption across India’s rail network. The learnings from this project will inform policy decisions, investment strategies, and infrastructure development for green mobility solutions. As hydrogen production technology matures and economies of scale are achieved, the operational cost of hydrogen trains is expected to decrease, making them more competitive with conventional systems.

The initiative also has broader implications for India’s energy transition strategy. By integrating hydrogen fuel into the railway sector, India can create a scalable model for clean energy adoption in transport, thereby contributing to national and international climate objectives. The project aligns with the government’s vision of promoting sustainable development while supporting domestic technological capabilities.

Conclusion

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s statement to the Lok Sabha highlights the pioneering nature of India’s hydrogen train project and its significance for sustainable transport, technological innovation, and national self-reliance. While initial costs may appear higher compared to established traction systems, the pilot status of the project, combined with the focus on indigenization, innovation, and sustainability, makes direct cost comparisons premature.

As the Indian Railways moves forward with this ambitious initiative, the hydrogen train project promises to be a transformative step in the country’s journey toward clean and sustainable mobility. By demonstrating the feasibility of hydrogen-powered rail transport and creating the necessary infrastructure, India is setting the stage for a future in which high-capacity, zero-emission trains become a viable and competitive option for passenger and freight transport.

This initiative is not merely a technological experiment but a strategic effort to integrate sustainability into India’s transport ecosystem, reduce carbon emissions, and promote indigenous innovation in alignment with the principles of Atmanirbhar Bharat. With the successful completion of the pilot phase, hydrogen traction could soon emerge as a key component of India’s rail network, shaping the future of green transportation in the country.