India successfully tested Hydrogen-powered train, says Centre

New Delhi: The Union government confirmed that India successfully tested its first-ever hydrogen-powered rail coach or “Driving Power Car” at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, placing the country among global leaders in hydrogen-powered train technology, NDTV reported, citing an announcement on X.

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

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw made the announcement on the online platform along with a video of the train coach being subjected to a test.

According to the minister, India is developing a 1,200 HP hydrogen-powered train, a transition towards cleaner and more sustainable railway 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,” Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw wrote on X.

The minister stated that the development shows India’s commitment to green energy and future-ready transport solutions.

According to NDTV, the minister informed Rajya Sabha in 2023 about Indian Railways’ plans to operate 35 hydrogen-powered trains under the “Hydrogen for Heritage” initiative. As per the ministry’s estimations, each train is expected to cost Rs 80 crore, with Rs 70 crore per route for supporting infrastructure on heritage and hill routes. Further, a project worth ₹111.83 crore has also been launched to retrofit a Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) with hydrogen fuel cells, set to run on the Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway.

The ministry claims that though the initial running cost of hydrogen trains may be high, it is expected to fall rapidly over time. What the Centre aims to promote is the green transport and supporting India’s zero carbon emission goals.

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