Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Indian Railways Plans Faster Hydrogen Trains, Sleeper Fleet Expansion
Indian Railways is testing a train that uses hydrogen to make electricity.
The train currently travels at 75 kmph on a route in Haryana.
Tests have shown that it can reach 120 kmph.
Officials are working toward running it at up to 110 kmph.
They are studying which routes it could use and how to supply enough hydrogen.
The train produces water vapour and heat instead of smoke or tailpipe carbon emissions.
India is also preparing more Vande Bharat sleeper trains.
Railways plans special trains and stronger facilities for the Simhastha festival in 2028.
Artificial intelligence will also be used with cameras to improve railway security.
Indian Railways is pursuing operations of up to 110 kmph for its hydrogen-powered train after trials reached 120 kmph.
The train currently runs at 75 kmph on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana.
Officials are consulting stakeholders on routes, technical requirements, and reliable hydrogen supplies.
Four more Vande Bharat sleeper trains have been completed, with 11 additional trains expected this year.
Railways plans 100 to 125 special trains for Simhastha 2028 and is strengthening infrastructure and security systems.
- Who
- Indian Railways, Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar, and railway officials are involved in the projects.
- What
- Railways is planning faster hydrogen-train operations, expanding the Vande Bharat sleeper fleet, and preparing infrastructure and services for Simhastha 2028.
- When
- Hydrogen-train trials have reached 120 kmph; Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the train on July 17, and Simhastha preparations concern 2028.
- Where
- The hydrogen train operates on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana; railway projects discussed include locations in and around Indore, Ujjain, Howrah, and Kamakhya in Guwahati.
- Why
- Railways is assessing hydrogen-train routes and fuel supplies, expanding passenger capacity, and improving infrastructure and security.
- Hydrogen train’s current operating speed
- 75 kmph
- Hydrogen train’s trial speed
- 120 kmph
- Proposed maximum operating speed
- 110 kmph
- Current hydrogen-train route
- 89-km Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana
- Vande Bharat sleeper trains expected this year
- 11
- Vande Bharat sleeper trains being manufactured
- 200 under the public-private partnership model
- Simhastha 2028 special trains planned
- 100 to 125
- Indore-Manmad railway line
- ₹18,500 crore project expected to be completed in four to five years
