India Successfully Tests First Hydrogen-Powered Coach at ICF, Chennai; 1,200 HP Train in Development

India has successfully tested its first hydrogen-powered Driving Power Car at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition to green rail technology. The trial, held on July 25, was announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who confirmed that India is now developing a high-power 1,200 horsepower (HP) hydrogen train, placing the nation among the global leaders in hydrogen rail systems.

“First hydrogen-powered coach (Driving Power Car) successfully tested at ICF, Chennai. India is developing a 1,200 HP hydrogen train. This will place India among the leaders in hydrogen-powered train technology,” Vaishnaw said in a statement on social media.

The newly tested coach is a prototype and forms part of Indian Railways’ broader push toward sustainable, emission-free transport. Unlike conventional diesel locomotives, hydrogen-powered trains produce electricity by reacting hydrogen with oxygen in fuel cells, emitting only water vapor. This innovation is aimed at reducing the carbon footprint on non-electrified railway lines, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions.

1,200 HP Hydrogen Train Development Underway

India’s 1,200 HP hydrogen train will be among the most powerful hydrogen rail vehicles in the world. Currently, hydrogen trains operating in Europe and other regions typically feature engines in the 500–600 HP range. The higher horsepower design is expected to provide improved speed and hauling capacity, enhancing operational viability on longer and steeper routes.

The powertrain and systems for the train are being developed indigenously by ICF, in collaboration with the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), as part of the government’s “Make in India” initiative. Once completed, these hydrogen trains will be deployed on select non-electrified sections, beginning with heritage and hill routes.

Hydrogen for Heritage Scheme and Retrofit Plan

The Indian Railways has launched the "Hydrogen for Heritage" initiative to introduce 35 hydrogen-powered trains, with an estimated cost of ₹80 crore per train. An additional ₹70 crore will be invested per route to establish the necessary hydrogen refueling and storage infrastructure.

Alongside the new builds, Indian Railways is retrofitting existing Diesel Electric Multiple Units (DEMUs) to hydrogen propulsion. A pilot retrofit is underway on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana, with a total project cost of ₹111.83 crore, including hydrogen generation, refueling systems, and safety mechanisms.

Environmental and Operational Benefits

Hydrogen trains offer a zero-emission alternative to diesel locomotives and are especially suitable for areas where electrification is difficult or economically unfeasible. Indian Railways operates nearly 30,000 km of non-electrified tracks, which could greatly benefit from this green technology.

In the long term, the adoption of hydrogen-powered trains is expected to lower operational costs, reduce India’s dependency on fossil fuels, and contribute to the country’s net-zero emissions target by 2070.

A Global Leap in Clean Rail Innovation

With the successful trial of the hydrogen-powered coach and the development of a 1,200 HP hydrogen train, India joins an exclusive group of nations — including Germany, China, and France — that are advancing hydrogen rail technologies. The scale, power, and cost-efficiency of India’s planned fleet could set new benchmarks for emerging economies.

This achievement not only reflects India’s engineering capabilities but also signals a major policy shift toward sustainable rail transport at a national level.