Indian Railways aims to run hydrogen train at 110 km/h and scout new routes

Indian Railways plans to increase the operating speed of its inaugural hydrogen-powered train from the present 75 km/h to a maximum of 110 km/h after successful trials at 120 km/h, Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar announced. The train, flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 17, runs on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat corridor in Haryana and generates electricity onboard via a hydrogen-oxygen reaction, emitting only water vapor and heat.

Authorities are now evaluating potential routes and the infrastructure needed to ensure a reliable hydrogen fuel supply. Kumar also highlighted progress on Vande Bharat sleeper services, noting four are already running and 11 more are expected this year, with a total of 200 planned under a PPP model. Additional projects include preparations for the 2028 Simhastha festival in Ujjain, AI-enhanced CCTV security, and rapid land acquisition for the ₹18,500-crore Indore-Manmad line.