Indian Railways today made history by launching its first hydrogen fuel cell-powered train on the iconic Kalka-Shimla heritage route in Himachal Pradesh, marking a significant step in the organization's journey toward carbon neutrality.
The train, developed in collaboration with BHEL and a German hydrogen technology firm, produces only water vapor as a byproduct and operates with significantly lower noise levels than diesel locomotives — a particular advantage on the environmentally sensitive mountain route.
"This is a proud day for Indian Railways and for India's commitment to clean energy," said Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who traveled on the inaugural run. "The hydrogen train combines cutting-edge technology with our beloved heritage."
The train can carry 120 passengers and achieves speeds of up to 80 km/h, comparable to the diesel locomotives it replaces. Its hydrogen fuel cells have a range of 1,000 kilometers, sufficient for multiple round trips on the 96-kilometer route.
Indian Railways plans to deploy hydrogen trains on 10 more routes by 2028, with a particular focus on hill railways and routes passing through ecologically sensitive areas. The organization aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
