India’s first hydrogen-powered train coach successfully tested at ICF Chennai
In a landmark achievement, Indian Railways successfully tested its first hydrogen-powered train coach, known as the driving power car, at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai on Friday (July 25).
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw posted a video of the test run on social media, stating, “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.”
This coach is part of a larger effort to develop a 1,200-horsepower hydrogen train, marking a bold step towards clean and sustainable rail mobility. The development not only signals India’s technological strides but also aligns with its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and adopting future-ready transport systems.
The successful test is a key milestone under the Indian Railways’ ‘Hydrogen for Heritage’ initiative, aimed at introducing hydrogen-powered trains on heritage and hilly routes.
Back in 2023, Minister Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha of plans to roll out 35 such trains. Each hydrogen train is expected to cost around ₹80 crore, with an additional ₹70 crore per route required for the supporting infrastructure.
To further this mission, a pilot project worth ₹111.83 crore is underway to retrofit a diesel electric multiple unit (DEMU) with hydrogen fuel cells. This unit will operate on the Jind–Sonipat section of the Northern Railway.