The hydrogen train, which has the capacity to carry 2600 passengers, is experiencing extremely low occupancy, with only about 40 or 60 people typically traveling on it. This situation is characteristic of the country's only hydrogen-powered train operating between Jind and Sonipat. Due to the small number of passengers, the railway is forced to consider extending the route.
Currently, the train operates on an 89-kilometer section connecting Jind and Sonipat. According to officials, despite the capacity for 2600 people, only 40 to 60 passengers arrive daily along this entire route. Consequently, the train makes only one round trip per day, whereas the initial plan called for two trips between Jind and Sonipat. The Northern Railway has been operating this train for about two months, and a team of experts is continuously monitoring its operation and new technology.
Given the low ridership, the railway is studying the option of extending the route to Azadpur in Delhi. Azadpur is a major wholesale market for fruits and vegetables in Delhi. The railway believes that access to Delhi by train will make it more convenient for passengers. Local residents have also long demanded the line be extended to the capital. Currently, the railway is working on various aspects related to this expansion, and a final decision will be made after assessing safety issues, technical requirements, and practical feasibility.
The first hydrogen train in India began operations on July 17. This train is entirely domestically produced and was presented as an important step towards clean and sustainable railway transport technologies. Unlike diesel engines, it does not use direct diesel fuel; instead, electricity is generated from hydrogen, which is then used to power the train. Because of this, it is considered an environmentally friendly railway technology. According to the railway, India is among the few countries developing hydrogen-based railway transport technologies.
The problem of low passenger load is not new for this route. Railway staff note that even previously operating EMU trains on this route had a relatively small number of passengers. In addition to the hydrogen train, three other EMU trains are currently running on this section, but they are also not highly popular. Railway workers explain this by stating that the number of passengers commuting to work in Jind and Sonipat, as well as employees of various enterprises, is not large enough, leading to insufficient ridership on the trains.
Although the idea of extending the hydrogen train route to Delhi seems simple, the railway faces several practical challenges. This hydrogen train consists of 10 coaches and has a capacity of about 2600 passengers. However, according to railway officials, transporting a large number of passengers on trains departing from Delhi might require 18, 20, or even more coaches. Furthermore, Delhi's busy rail network already has significant train traffic, making it difficult to determine track availability and scheduling for a new train.
Regarding fuel, no serious problems have been identified. According to railway representatives, one tank allows the hydrogen train to travel about 250–300 kilometers after being fully refueled. The distance between Delhi and Jind is approximately 130 kilometers, meaning the train can cover this distance on a single tank. Nevertheless, currently, hydrogen refueling is only available in Jind, so when expanding service to Delhi, both the fueling system and the train's operational plan must be taken into account.
Although local residents insist on the extension to Delhi, an alternative solution has been proposed in case of operational difficulties on the Delhi route. Local passengers suggest running the train from Sonipat via Panipat, and then through Safidon to Jind, which would create a closed loop. Panipat is a major industrial center. Local residents believe this route could increase the daily number of passengers and improve train utilization. According to this proposal, the train could depart from Jind, pass through Sonipat, Panipat, and Safidon, and then return to Jind, thus creating a cycle of about 180 kilometers.
On the issue of safety, the railway emphasizes that since the hydrogen train is based on new technology, there should be no rush to expand it. The expert team is closely monitoring both the current operation of the train and the tests and technical aspects related to its possible expansion to Delhi.