Indian Railways clarifies after hydrogen train video goes viral

Indian Railways has issued a clarification after a video showing a hydrogen train being pulled by a diesel locomotive went viral on social media. The footage, widely shared over the weekend, prompted questions about the functionality of the country's first hydrogen-powered train.

In a statement, the national transporter explained that the diesel engine was towing the train as part of standard operational procedures. Officials said the hydrogen train was undergoing mandatory trials and was not operating under its own power at the time of the video.

What the video showed

The clip, recorded at an undisclosed location, showed a hydrogen train coupled to a diesel locomotive on a railway track. Many social media users interpreted this as a sign that the hydrogen train had failed or was not ready for service.

The video gained traction just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the country's first hydrogen train. The launch, held in Haryana, was accompanied by district-level functions across the state to mark the occasion.

The Prime Minister used the event to take a jibe at opposition parties, including the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party, over their track record on railway modernisation. The political messaging, however, was soon overshadowed by the viral video.

Railways' explanation

Indian Railways said the hydrogen train was being towed as part of standard pre-commissioning trials. New rolling stock, including advanced locomotives, is often pulled by older engines during initial testing phases before being cleared for independent operation.

“The hydrogen train is undergoing mandatory tests. Being towed by a diesel engine is a routine practice for all new train sets during trials. This does not reflect any technical failure,” a railway official said.

The clarification did not specify when the hydrogen train would begin running under its own power. Officials said the train is expected to enter commercial service once all safety and performance parameters are verified.

Hydrogen train project context

The hydrogen train is part of Indian Railways' broader push towards green energy and net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. The train uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, producing only water vapour as a byproduct.

Plans are also underway to deploy hydrogen-powered trains on heritage routes. The Matheran Hill Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is likely to receive one of the first such trains in the country.

The project is being closely watched as a test case for hydrogen propulsion in Indian railways. If successful, it could pave the way for replacing diesel locomotives on non-electrified routes.

The viral video and subsequent clarification highlight the challenges of introducing new technology in a system where public perception can be shaped by incomplete information. Indian Railways has emphasised that trials are a normal part of the process before any new train enters service.

The hydrogen train is expected to begin independent trials in the coming weeks. Railway officials have not yet announced a firm date for commercial operations.