Only 40 to 60 passengers boarded the 2,600‑seat hydrogen train on its daily 89‑km run between Jind and Sonipat, prompting Indian Railways to consider extending the service to Delhi. The train, launched on July 17, has operated as a technology demonstrator for two months, yet it makes just one round trip a day instead of the two return trips originally planned.
The hydrogen train, a 10‑coach unit, can cover 250 km on a full tank but is currently refuelled only at Jind. With a fuel range of about 150 km in one direction, the 130‑km stretch from Jind to Delhi is within reach, but the train’s limited 2,600‑seat capacity would be dwarfed by the 18‑ to 20‑coach trains that usually serve Delhi commuters.
"The successful running by the Northern Railways for the last two months speaks volumes about the dedication and commitment of the team," a senior railway official told PTI. He added that a feasibility study will determine whether the hydrogen train can be upgraded or if a larger diesel‑electric multiple unit (DEMU) is required for the Delhi corridor.
Local passengers in Haryana have urged the extension, arguing that a direct route to Delhi would maximise utilisation. A commuter suggested an alternative circuit—Jind to Sonipat to Panipat to Safidon and back to Jind—leveraging Panipat’s industrial workforce to boost footfall.
Railway officials emphasised that passenger safety is paramount and that the decision will hinge on detailed operational reviews. The next step is a vote by the Railway Board in early June, after which the extension and any necessary infrastructure upgrades will be announced.