Hydrogen Train May Be Extended to Delhi As Jind-Sonipat Service Sees Low Ridership

New Delhi, September 19: Indian Railways is considering extending the country's first hydrogen-powered train to Delhi after the service recorded low passenger turnout on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana, officials said. The hydrogen train, which was launched as a technology demonstrator, currently carries only around 40 to 60 passengers during its entire journey despite having a maximum capacity of 2,600 passengers.

The train began operations on the Jind-Sonipat route in July and has completed around two months of service. Officials said its successful operation has demonstrated India's capability in running hydrogen-powered trains and efforts are now underway to explore extending the service to Azadpur in Delhi. What Makes India’s First Hydrogen Train Different From Regular Trains?

Hydrogen Train Extension to Delhi

A senior railway official said officials are working on measures to extend the hydrogen train to Azadpur Station, located near Delhi's wholesale fruit and vegetable market. The extension could potentially improve passenger utilisation of the service.

The hydrogen train currently makes only one round trip between Jind and Sonipat each day. It was initially expected to operate two return trips.

Railway staff said the train replaced a DEMU service on the same route, which also had low passenger numbers. Three other DEMU trains currently operate on the route and reportedly do not see high passenger turnout.

Officials attributed the low ridership to limited movement of office commuters and industrial workers between Jind and Sonipat. India’s First Hydrogen Train Launched: Route, Speed, Timings and Other Details.

Operational Challenges for Delhi Extension

Extending the hydrogen train to Delhi could present operational challenges. The train has 10 coaches and can carry up to 2,600 passengers, while services operating from Delhi generally require larger formations because of high commuter demand and capacity constraints on railway tracks.

Fuel capacity is not expected to be a major limitation. The hydrogen train can travel around 250 km to 300 km on a full tank, while the distance between Jind and Delhi is approximately 130 km.

At present, however, the train can be refuelled only at Jind.

Alternative Route Through Panipat and Safidon

Local passengers have suggested modifying the existing route if extending the train to Delhi proves difficult. One proposal is to operate the train in a circuit connecting Jind, Sonipat, Panipat and Safidon before returning to Jind.

Panipat is an industrial hub and could generate additional demand from daily commuters, potentially increasing passenger utilisation on the route.

Under the proposed circuit, the train could travel around 180 km, covering Jind, Sonipat, Panipat and Safidon before terminating at Jind.

India's First Hydrogen-Powered Train

India's first indigenous hydrogen-powered train was launched on July 17 as part of efforts to introduce next-generation clean and sustainable transportation technology.

Railway officials have described the service as a pilot project and technology demonstrator. India has joined a small group of countries, including Germany, Japan, China and the United States, that are exploring hydrogen-powered rail transportation.

Railway experts are monitoring the train's operation on the Jind-Sonipat route as well as trial runs for a possible Delhi extension. Officials said passenger safety and operational considerations will be examined before a final decision is taken.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 19, 2026 12:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).