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Hydrogen Train: Indian Railways is preparing to operate hydrogen trains on mountainous routes. These trains will run with reduced noise and lower emissions, potentially benefiting the environment in hilly regions.

Hydrogen Trains Expansion: Over time, Indian Railways has introduced several modern trains. Beyond focusing on passenger amenities, the Railways has developed trains designed to help reduce pollution, keeping environmental concerns in mind.

India's first hydrogen train operates on the Jind-Sonipat route, with passenger comfort as a priority. Plans are underway to promote these cost-effective, low-pollution trains, and preparations are now being made to run them in mountainous areas.

How many trains will be operated?

The Railways plans to operate 35 such trains. A key feature of these trains is that they run on hydrogen instead of conventional fuel; consequently, they emit water vapor rather than smoke, causing no harm to the environment. Electrifying railway tracks in mountainous regions is challenging, making hydrogen trains a viable alternative for these routes.

Focus on reducing pollution

The Railways is working to increase the use of hydrogen and is also emphasizing cost reduction. There is a specific focus on using "green hydrogen" to curb pollution, which will significantly help in lowering emission levels.

Where will they operate?

The Railways is preparing to run hydrogen trains on eight famous mountain routes:

Kangra Valley Railway
Kalka-Shimla Railway
Kangra-Shimla Railway
Bilimora-Waghai Route
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Matheran Hill Railway
Mau-Patalpani Route
Marwar-Devgarh Madariya Route
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

पहाड़ों में दौड़ेगी हाइड्रोजन ट्रेन! रेलवे की 35 ट्रेनों की तैयारी, बढ़ेगा ग्रीन रेल नेटवर्क#IndianRailways #HydrogenTrain #GreenRailways #RailwayNews pic.twitter.com/kzAodwIcLF

— Indian Railway भारतीय रेल (News Update) (@Indianrailgadi) August 20, 2026

What are the key features of the hydrogen train?

The most notable feature of this train is that it emits no smoke; instead, it releases water vapor.
Additionally, the hydrogen train operates much more quietly compared to diesel-powered trains.
Furthermore, the hydrogen tank can be refilled in just about 15 to 20 minutes.
This train runs on electricity generated from hydrogen and oxygen.

A potential boon for mountainous regions

This train could prove to be a boon for mountainous areas for several reasons; for instance, operating it there would help reduce pollution. While the smoke and noise from diesel trains can harm the environment, hydrogen trains operate without causing pollution or excessive noise, making them an excellent choice for mountainous regions.