ICF-Manufactured Hydrogen Trainset Rake Successfully Completes Load Tests.

India's first hydrogen-powered train, manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, is on track for an imminent rollout. The trainset has successfully passed its critical load tests, a significant milestone confirmed by ICF General Manager U Subba Rao during his Independence Day speech.

The news comes just days after Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw hinted that the country's inaugural hydrogen train was "coming soon." This new rake, a pilot project set to operate on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway, is designed to be a zero-emission alternative to traditional diesel-electric multiple units (DEMUs).

According to a report from earlier this year, the cost for the 10-rake formation is approximately ₹118.24 crore. The project involves converting an existing 1200 KW DEMU into a hydrogen fuel-cell-based Distributed Power Rolling Stock, paving the way for a greener future for Indian railways.