Hydrogen train has room for 2,600 passengers, but only 40-60 are riding it: Two months after launch, here’s why Railways is planning to extend it to Delhi

Hydrogen Train Delhi Route: India’s first indigenous hydrogen-powered train may soon be extended to Delhi after recording low passenger numbers on its existing 89-km Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana, according to officials cited by PTI.

The hydrogen train, launched on July 17, has been operating successfully as a technology demonstrator. However, despite having a maximum capacity of 2,600 passengers, only around 40 to 60 people reportedly travel on it over the entire Jind-Sonipat journey.

Hydrogen train may run up to Azadpur in Delhi

Indian Railways is considering extending the train’s operation to Azadpur station in Delhi, near the wholesale fruits and vegetables market, officials told PTI.


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A senior railway official said, “Its successful running by the Northern Railways for the last two months speaks volumes about the dedication and commitment of the team of experts involved in its day-to-day operation. They are working out all measures for its extension up to Azadpur Station near the wholesale fruits and vegetables market in Delhi.”

The low ridership on the existing route has meant that the hydrogen train currently makes only one round trip every day. It was initially expected to operate two return trips between Jind and Sonipat.

Why is ridership so low?

The hydrogen-powered train replaced a DEMU service that had earlier operated on the same route. Railway staff said the DEMU service had also recorded similarly low passenger numbers.

“At present, besides the hydrogen-powered train, three other DEMU trains are operational on the route, and none of them has high passenger turnout due to the lack of office commuters or industry workers between the two cities,” a staff member involved in train operations said.

“There are hardly any office-goers or industrial workers on this route. Locals have also been demanding that it should be extended to Delhi for optimum utilisation,” the staff member added.

Hydrogen train’s capacity and fuel range

The hydrogen train is a 10-coach service with a capacity of 2,600 passengers. However, a senior official pointed to operational challenges if it is extended to Delhi.

“It is a 10-coach train that can carry only 2,600 passengers, whereas trains operating from Delhi need more than 18 to 20 coaches to accommodate the large number of commuters due to capacity constraints on the railway tracks,” the official said.

Fuel capacity, however, is not expected to be a constraint. Officials said the train can travel around 250 km to 300 km on a full tank.

At present, the train can be refuelled only at Jind. With its current fuel range, it can cover around 150 km in one direction, while the distance between Jind and Delhi is approximately 130 km.

Locals suggest Panipat-Safidon circuit

While local passengers said extending the hydrogen train to Delhi would be the most useful option, some suggested modifying its existing route if operational limitations make the Delhi extension difficult.

One passenger suggested extending the route from Sonipat to Panipat and then covering Safidon before returning to Jind, creating a circuit within Haryana.

“Currently, it operates from Jind to Sonipat and vice versa. So instead of moving in the UP and DOWN directions on the same route, this train can be extended to Panipat from Sonipat and, after covering Safidon, it can reach Jind, completing a circuit. Since Panipat is an industrial area, it will attract a lot of daily commuters,” the passenger said.

“The train can start from Jind as usual and cover a distance of about 180 km via Sonipat, Panipat and Safidon before terminating at Jind. This will really help locals and improve the train's footfall,” he added.

India’s first indigenous hydrogen train

India’s first indigenous hydrogen-powered train was launched on July 17, marking a step towards the use of next-generation clean and sustainable transportation technology.

Railway officials described it as a pilot project that places India among a small group of countries, including Germany, Japan, China and the United States, exploring hydrogen-powered rail transportation.

“A group of top experts are regularly monitoring its operation between Jind and Sonipat, as well as its trial runs for extension to Delhi. Since it is a new technology and passenger safety is paramount for the Indian Railways, a decision on its extension will be taken after due consideration,” an official said.


Inputs from TOI and agencies