India reached a significant achievement in green rail innovation by successfully testing its first hydrogen-powered train coach at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed this development and shared a video of the test run on social media.
Key Advancements in Rail Technology
Vaishnaw mentioned that India is currently working on a 1,200 HP hydrogen-powered train, a step that will position the country as a leader in hydrogen train technology globally. This marks India’s entry into the group of nations utilizing hydrogen for rail transport.
The tested coach, identified as the Driving Power Car, signifies a significant step towards creating cleaner and more sustainable railway systems. The minister emphasized that this move showcases India’s dedication to green energy and forward-looking transport solutions.
Plans for Hydrogen-Powered Trains
Back in 2023, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha about Indian Railways’ strategy to operate 35 hydrogen-powered trains through the “Hydrogen for Heritage” initiative. Each train is expected to cost ₹80 crore, with ₹70 crore allotted per route for necessary infrastructure on heritage and hill routes.
A pilot project costing ₹111.83 crore has also been initiated to upgrade a Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) with hydrogen fuel cells, scheduled to operate on the Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway. Despite the initial high running costs of hydrogen trains, there’s optimism for cost reductions over time. This initiative aims to promote eco-friendly transport and aid India’s targets for zero carbon emissions using clean hydrogen energy.
First Hydrogen powered coach (Driving Power Car) successfully tested at ICF, Chennai.
India is developing 1,200 HP Hydrogen train. This will place India among the leaders in Hydrogen powered train technology. pic.twitter.com/2tDClkGBx0
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) July 25, 2025
