Railways Ministry clears hydrogen fuel cell DEMU for Jind-Sonipat route
The Railway Board approved the introduction of a 10-car hydrogen fuel cell-based DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) trainset on the Jind–Sonipat section un...
What Happened
- The Railway Board approved the introduction of a 10-car hydrogen fuel cell-based DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) trainset on the Jind–Sonipat section under Northern Railway on 22 May 2026.
- The approval follows technical clearance from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and safety testing by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS).
- The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) granted the required licence for storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas at the depot.
- The trainset uses Distributed Power Rolling Stock (DPRS) technology, generating approximately 1,200 kW of power, and will operate at a maximum speed of 75 kmph.
- The train produces only water vapour as exhaust, making it a zero direct-emission alternative to diesel traction on non-electrified routes.
Static Topic Bridges
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology: Types and Mechanisms
A hydrogen fuel cell generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, releasing only water and heat as by-products. The two most relevant fuel cell types for transport are the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) and the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC). PEMFC operates at low temperatures (~80°C), starts up within seconds, and is compact — making it the preferred choice for vehicles including trains, buses, and cars. SOFC operates at high temperatures (600–1000°C) and is better suited for stationary power generation due to slower start-up times. Indian Railways' hydrogen DEMU uses PEMFC-based technology.
- PEMFC: low operating temperature (~80°C), fast start-up, uses 100% hydrogen, suited for mobile applications
- SOFC: high operating temperature, can use hydrogen, natural gas, or biogas, better for stationary use
- Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV): powered by hydrogen fuel cells; only by-product is water vapour
- Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV): stores electricity in batteries; no on-board generation
Connection to this news: The Indian Railways trainset is an FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) application of PEMFC technology — the most suitable type for rail transit due to rapid start-up and compact form factor.
Hydrogen Colour Taxonomy: Green, Blue, Grey, Turquoise
Hydrogen is produced by multiple methods, classified by the carbon intensity of the process. Grey hydrogen — produced via Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) of natural gas without carbon capture — accounts for approximately 95% of current global production and emits 9–12 kg CO₂ per kg H₂. Blue hydrogen uses SMR with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), significantly reducing emissions. Green hydrogen uses renewable electricity to split water via electrolysis (zero-emission). Turquoise hydrogen is produced via methane pyrolysis, yielding solid carbon as a by-product. Black/brown hydrogen uses coal gasification, generating the highest emissions (~19 tCO₂ per tonne H₂).
- Green hydrogen: water electrolysis + renewable energy; well-to-gate emissions ≤ 2 kg CO₂e per kg H₂ (India's NGHM definition)
- Blue hydrogen: SMR + CCS; low-carbon but not zero-carbon
- Grey hydrogen: SMR without CCS; dominant but carbon-intensive
- Turquoise hydrogen: methane pyrolysis; solid carbon by-product
- India's National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM): approved January 2023; ₹19,744 crore outlay; target 5 MMT/year green hydrogen by 2030
Connection to this news: For hydrogen trains to be truly zero-emission across their full lifecycle, the hydrogen supplied must be green. The current approval is a technology milestone; the environmental benefit is contingent on the source of hydrogen used.
RDSO and the Indian Railways Safety Architecture
The Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) is the sole R&D and technical standards body of Indian Railways, functioning as a subordinate office under the Ministry of Railways. RDSO is responsible for developing technical specifications, conducting prototype testing, and granting developmental approvals for all rolling stock and technology deployed on the Indian rail network. No new rolling stock technology can enter commercial service without RDSO certification. The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, provides the independent safety clearance for new traction systems.
- RDSO headquarters: Lucknow
- Established: 1957
- Role: Standards setting, testing, and technical approval for all railway equipment
- CCRS: independent safety authority for railways under Ministry of Civil Aviation
- PESO: regulates storage and handling of petroleum, explosives, and compressed gases
Connection to this news: Three separate safety bodies — RDSO, CCRS, and PESO — each provided distinct clearances before the hydrogen DEMU received operational approval, illustrating India's multi-layer railway safety framework.
National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)
India's National Green Hydrogen Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet on 4 January 2023, building on the announcement made on Independence Day 2021. The mission targets production of 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen annually by 2030, supported by approximately 125 GW of dedicated renewable energy capacity. The total financial outlay is ₹19,744 crore, including incentives under the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) programme. The mission aims to create 6 lakh jobs and reduce fossil fuel imports by ₹1 lakh crore annually.
- Mission approval date: 4 January 2023
- Target: 5 MMT/year green hydrogen by 2030
- Financial outlay: ₹19,744 crore
- Nodal ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
- SIGHT programme: incentivises domestic electrolyser manufacturing and green hydrogen production
Connection to this news: The Jind–Sonipat hydrogen train approval is a direct application of the NGHM's vision to decarbonise hard-to-electrify transport sectors; Indian Railways is among the identified early adopters of green hydrogen under the mission.
Key Facts & Data
- Trainset formation: 10 coaches (DEMU configuration)
- Power output: 1,200 kW (Distributed Power Rolling Stock / DPRS architecture)
- Maximum speed: 75 kmph
- Route: Jind–Sonipat, Northern Railway zone, Haryana
- Approval date: 22 May 2026 (Railway Board)
- Technology type: Hydrogen Fuel Cell (PEMFC-based FCEV)
- Safety clearances: RDSO (technical), CCRS (operational safety), PESO (hydrogen storage licence)
- Emissions: Zero direct emissions; by-product is water vapour only
- India's NGHM green hydrogen target: 5 MMT/year by 2030; outlay ₹19,744 crore
- Green hydrogen definition (MNRE): ≤ 2 kg CO₂e per kg H₂ (well-to-gate)
- RDSO established: 1957, headquartered in Lucknow