From Self-Reliance to Global Leadership in Rail Innovation

In a landmark announcement on January 11, 2025, at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar, Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw introduced India’s latest leap in railway technology — a 1200-horsepower hydrogen-powered locomotive, the most powerful of its kind in the world.

“This engine looks like a data center on wheels — that’s the level of technology Indian talent has achieved. The world’s best hydrogen trains today deliver 500–600 horsepower. Ours delivers 1200.”
— Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways

India is no longer just building trains. It is building global benchmarks in transportation technology.

What Sets the 1200 HP Hydrogen Engine Apart

This indigenous locomotive is more than just an engineering marvel — it’s a strategic step into the future of sustainable mobility. Built under the Make in India initiative, the engine is tailored for shunting and short-distance haulage, traditionally dominated by diesel.

Now, India is offering a cleaner, smarter alternative — with zero emissions, integrated digital systems, and strong export potential.

Made in India, Built by the Best

The project brought together the strengths of India’s top industrial players:

• Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi – Led the final assembly of the hydrogen-powered locomotive.

• Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) – Supplied energy-efficient traction motors and propulsion systems.

• Medha Servo Drives, Hyderabad – Designed the control systems, diagnostics, and digital integration.

• Titagarh Rail Systems (TRSL) – Contributed bogies and high-strength structural components.

Why Hydrogen?

Hydrogen is widely regarded as the next-generation fuel for decarbonizing transport. With this project, Indian Railways aims to:

• Achieve 100% reduction in emissions compared to diesel

• Lower long-term operating costs

• Establish India as a global leader in green railway technology

A New Export Story in Motion

“We are building the kind of locomotive that will make India a net exporter of advanced green railway technologies.”
— Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw

Interest is already pouring in from Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America — regions seeking cost-effective, powerful, and sustainable rail solutions. The 1200 HP hydrogen engine is not just a domestic achievement; it’s India’s next major export success.

Engineering Talent at the Core

The Railway Minister’s remarks weren’t just praise — they were a signal to the world. India’s talent pool is building, not assembling. The hydrogen locomotive reflects a deep synergy of mechanical engineering, electrical design, and digital intelligence — all developed within Indian borders.

Conclusion

The 1200 HP hydrogen-powered locomotive is more than a train — it’s a national statement. A symbol of technological excellence, environmental responsibility, and industrial maturity. Entirely made by Indian companies, this engine is a moving declaration that India is not just participating in the green transport revolution — it is prepared to lead it.