India's First Hydrogen-Powered Train Coach Successfully Tested at ICF Chennai

India has accomplished a historical record when it comes to sustainable transport, as its first hydrogen-powered train coach was successfully tested by Integral Coach Factory (ICF) at Chennai. The new coach - a "Driving Power Car" - runs on hydrogen fuel-cell technology, giving it no emissions of the type released by diesel or normal electric trains. The trial, announced by Ashwini Vaishnaw, represents a huge step towards greener and future-ready railways in India.

India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train: Overview

• The Indian Railways has successfully tested the first hydrogen-powered train coach in India (Driving Power Car) at Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.

• The coach utilises hydrogen fuel cell technology: Hydrogen gas reacts with oxygen in fuel cells to generate electricity, producing water vapour—making the coach a zero-emission alternative to diesel.

• The design of the planned hydrogen-powered train will include 2 power cars and 8 passenger coaches in total (10 coaches overall). It has a capacity for 2,600 passengers and can operate at speeds of up to approximately 110 km/h.

• Each power car will contain around 220 kg of hydrogen in HP cylinders. Hydrogen refuelling and storage facilities (with a capacity of 3,000 kg) are planned at a separate site in Jind, Haryana.

• The project aims to develop a hydrogen-powered train with a power output of 1,200 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful hydrogen trains in the world—part of the movement towards clean, sustainable rail travel.

Important PYQs Based Questions

Expected Questions for Upcoming Exams Based on Hydrogen-Powered Train

When and where was India’s first hydrogen-powered train coach successfully tested?
Options:
A) 16 April 1853, Mumbai
B) 25 July 2025, ICF Chennai
C) 15 August 2024, Howrah
D) 1 Jan 2025, Delhi
Answer: B) 25 July 2025, ICF Chennai
Explanation: The train was tested at Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, marking India’s first hydrogen-powered train trial.

Q2: What type of fuel technology does the train use?
Options:
A) Diesel
B) Electric only
C) Hydrogen fuel-cell
D) CNG
Answer: C) Hydrogen fuel-cell
Explanation: The train uses hydrogen fuel-cell technology, generating electricity through a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapor.

Q3: How much hydrogen does each power-car approximately carry?
Options:
A) 100 kg
B) 220 kg
C) 500 kg
D) 50 kg
Answer: B) 220 kg
Explanation: Each power car stores around 220 kg of hydrogen at high pressure (~350 bar) for propulsion.

Q4: What is the expected operational speed of the hydrogen-powered train?
Options:
A) 90 km/h
B) 110 km/h
C) 150 km/h
D) 200 km/h
Answer: B) 110 km/h
Explanation: The train is designed to operate at around 110 km/h, suitable for heritage and non-electrified routes.

Q5: What is the environmental benefit of the hydrogen train?
Options:
A) Emits CO₂
B) Emits only water vapor
C) Uses fossil fuels
D) Produces smoke
Answer: B) Emits only water vapor
Explanation: Hydrogen fuel-cell trains produce only water vapor, making them a zero-emission alternative to diesel trains.

Q6: Which organization developed this hydrogen-powered train coach?
Options:
A) BHEL
B) ICF Chennai
C) DRDO
D) Indian Railways Headquarters
Answer: B) ICF Chennai
Explanation: Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, developed and tested India’s first hydrogen-powered train coach.

Q7: On which type of routes is the hydrogen train expected to be first deployed?
Options:
A) Metro routes
B) Heritage and hill routes
C) Freight routes only
D) High-speed express routes
Answer: B) Heritage and hill routes
Explanation: Hydrogen trains are planned first for heritage and hill routes, where electrification is difficult.

Q8: What is the planned passenger capacity of the hydrogen-powered train?
Options:
A) 1,500
B) 2,600+
C) 3,500
D) 500
Answer: B) 2,600+
Explanation: The train rake (2 power cars + 8 passenger coaches) can accommodate over 2,600 passengers.

Q9: What is the expected power rating of the hydrogen train?
Options:
A) 600 HP
B) 1,200 HP
C) 2,000 HP
D) 800 HP
Answer: B) 1,200 HP
Explanation: The hydrogen-powered train is being developed with 1,200 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful hydrogen trains globally.

Q10: What kind of infrastructure is planned for hydrogen refuelling?
Options:
A) No infrastructure needed
B) 500 kg storage facility
C) 3,000 kg hydrogen storage facility
D) Only electric charging
Answer: C) 3,000 kg hydrogen storage facility
Explanation: Dedicated hydrogen refuelling and storage facilities (~3,000 kg capacity) will support train operations initially.

Conclusion

India's first hydrogen-powered train coach by ICF Chennai tests successfully is a major milestone in sustainable rail transport in India. Using the hydrogen fuel-cell technology, the train promises no emissions, lesser reliance on fossil fuels and is a model for future eco-friendly trains. It paves a way for greener novel railway solutions for India.