The Railway Ministry on Tuesday approved the operation of India’s first hydrogen-powered 10-coach DEMU train between Jind and Sonipat under the Northern Railway zone.As per PTI report, the train will run at a maximum speed of 75 kmph and will use hydrogen fuel cells instead of diesel or conventional electric traction to generate power.With a total power output of 1,200 kW, the train will operate on Distributed Power Rolling Stock (DPRS) technology, where power is distributed across the coaches rather than concentrated in a single locomotive.Security clearance and compliance still ongoingThe ministry’s approval came after technical clearance from the Research Design and Standards Organization and safety testing by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS).As quoted by PTI, the sanction letter sent to the General Manager of Northern Railway has been directed to comply with all safety, maintenance and operational conditions prescribed by RDSO, CCRS and other statutory authorities including Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO).The letter further added, “Various sensors (leak detectors, flame detectors etc.) provided at hydrogen production, storage and distribution facilities on the ground are prone to failure due to dust accumulation. Necessary schedule for regular clearing of failed operations will be ensured.Officials clarified that the approval does not mean immediate start of operations, as several compliance and verification steps are still pending.diesel locomotive to pull train for maintenanceAccording to officials, the hydrogen train will operate only on the Jind-Sonipat section, while maintenance facilities have been set up at Shakurbasti in Delhi.For maintenance movements, the hydrogen system will be shut down and the train will be pulled in a “dead position” using a diesel locomotive.The ministry has also mandated special training and competency certification for staff handling hydrogen fueling and onboard operations.