# Just 36 Paise a Kilometre: How India's First Hydrogen Train Undercuts Fares in Japan, Germany and Beyond

> India's first hydrogen train made its debut run between Jind and Sonipat, with fares fixed at only 36 paise per kilometre. That makes it several times cheaper than similar trains in Germany, Japan and China.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Business · **Published:** 2026-07-17 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/business/sirpha-36-paise-prati-kilomitara-haidrojana-trena-ka-saphara-videshon-ke-mukabale-kitana-sasta-samajhen-pura-hisaba-8344 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Hydrogen train, Train fare, Jind Panipat, Indian Railways, Zero emission, Hydrogen Heritage

India's first hydrogen train hit the tracks today, completing its debut run between Jind and Sonipat. The moment a new service like this begins, the first question on every passenger's mind is the fare, especially for a modern, eco-friendly train that many assume will be expensive to ride. The Railways has now revealed the pricing, and the numbers show the journey is remarkably light on the pocket.

The stretch from Jind to Panipat covers roughly 70 kilometres, and the fare for the entire route has been set at just 26 rupees. In plain terms, passengers pay only 36 paise per kilometre. That single figure is what sets this train apart, because in the countries where hydrogen trains are already running, travellers pay many times more for the same distance.

## Where These Trains Are Running
At present, hydrogen trains operate in Germany, China, Japan, France, Sweden and England. Of these, the train in Germany is considered to use the most advanced technology. Their biggest advantage is that they are completely zero-emission, meaning they cause no pollution. It is precisely this environment-friendly nature that is driving their rapid adoption around the world.

## How Much Fares Cost Abroad
In Germany, the average fare for a hydrogen train works out to around 7 to 10 rupees per kilometre, though the exact amount depends on the route, timing and class. In China's Foshan city, the world's first hydrogen tram began in 2019, but it had to be shut down in 2024 because of high costs and low ridership; there the fare ranged from 5 to 7 rupees per kilometre based on distance. In Japan, these trains have been running on a trial basis on the Yokohama-Kawasaki route since 2022, where the fare is about 10 to 15 rupees per kilometre. In England, a hydrogen train is set to begin between Redlands and San Bernardino in California, with an estimated fare of 12 to 15 rupees per kilometre. The comparison makes it clear that the ride is far cheaper in India.

## The Bigger Plan Ahead
The Railways has drawn up a plan to run a total of 35 hydrogen trains under its Hydrogen Heritage initiative. Each train is estimated to cost around 80 crore rupees, while land and infrastructure are pegged at 70 crore rupees. This spending has been earmarked specifically for heritage and hill routes.

## What this means for you
- **Across India:** With 35 trains planned under the Hydrogen Heritage initiative, cheaper, pollution-free rail travel could soon reach ordinary passengers across the country.
- **In Haryana:** Passengers travelling between Jind and Panipat will pay just 26 rupees for the 70-kilometre stretch, a big relief for daily commuters.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. Between which cities did India's first hydrogen train run?
The train ran between Jind and Sonipat, and it was inaugurated today.

### 2. What is the fare for this hydrogen train?
The full 70-kilometre Jind to Panipat journey costs just 26 rupees, which works out to 36 paise per kilometre.

### 3. Is the fare in India cheaper than abroad?
Yes, it is 7 to 10 rupees per kilometre in Germany and 10 to 15 rupees in Japan, while India charges only 36 paise per kilometre.

### 4. Which countries have hydrogen trains running?
At present Germany, China, Japan, France, Sweden and England have hydrogen trains, with Germany's technology considered the most advanced.

### 5. What is the Railways' plan going forward?
The Railways plans to run 35 hydrogen trains under its Hydrogen Heritage initiative, with each train estimated to cost around 80 crore rupees.

### 6. Why are these trains considered good for the environment?
Hydrogen trains are completely zero-emission, meaning they cause no pollution, which is why they are being favoured.

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