# Low Passenger Turnout Prompts Railway Push to Extend First Hydrogen Train Route to Delhi Azadpur

> Operating between Jind and Sonipat with just 40 to 60 daily passengers, India's first indigenous hydrogen train may soon be extended to Delhi's Azadpur station.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Business · **Published:** 2026-09-22 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/business/yatriyon-ke-tote-ke-bada-relave-ka-naya-kadama-delhi-ke-azadpur-taka-barha-sakata-hai-desha-ki-pahali-haidrojana-trena-ka-ruta-36253 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Hydrogen Train, Indian Railways, Jind Sonipat Route, Azadpur Station, Delhi Rail Network, Green Mobility

Indian Railways is preparing for a significant operational shift regarding the country's first indigenous hydrogen train. The zero-emission service currently operates across an 89-kilometer section between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana. Due to an acute shortage of commuters on this existing corridor, railway authorities are actively evaluating a proposal to expand the service directly into the national capital. Should this strategic plan move forward, the train will terminate at Delhi's Azadpur railway station.

## Ridership Slump Forces Reduced Daily Trips
Designed to support large passenger volumes, the hydrogen train offers a total seating capacity for around 2,600 passengers per journey. However, ground ridership data reveals that merely 40 to 60 passengers travel aboard the service each day between Jind and Sonipat. Because of this stark passenger deficit, railway authorities currently operate the train for just one round trip per day, having scaled back from an initial schedule that planned for two daily return runs. Officially flagged off on July 17, the train marked a landmark achievement in India's deployment of indigenous green hydrogen mobility technology.

## Safety Reviews and Trial Planning for Azadpur Station
A senior railway official indicated that operational preparations are underway to facilitate extending the service up to Delhi's Azadpur station. A dedicated panel of technical experts is continuously supervising the daily operations of the train while also monitoring preparations for trial runs heading toward Delhi. Railway authorities have not yet arrived at a final decision regarding the route extension. Officials stressed that because hydrogen power represents a brand new technology for the rail network, passenger safety remains paramount. A definitive rollout call will be taken only after comprehensive evaluations covering all technical and safety aspects are concluded.

## Fuel Range, Refueling Constraints, and Coach Composition
When filled to maximum fuel capacity, the hydrogen train can cover an operating range of approximately 250 to 300 kilometers on a single tank. At present, the exclusive refueling infrastructure for this service is located solely in Jind. The travel distance between Jind and Delhi stands at roughly 130 kilometers, confirming that the train possesses adequate fueling range to handle the trip back and forth with available reserves. Nevertheless, operating into Delhi poses distinct operational hurdles. The train operates as a 10-coach configuration carrying around 2,600 passengers, whereas high-density suburban and commuter routes originating in Delhi routinely require 18 to more than 20 coaches to manage intense passenger traffic effectively.

## What this means for you
Extending this service to Delhi would provide daily commuters across the corridor with a modern, eco-friendly transit option.

- **Across India:** The expansion tests the practical viability of hydrogen-powered passenger services on busier mainlines. Successful operations will accelerate the nationwide rollout of green propulsion technology across other regional routes.
- **In Haryana and Delhi:** Commuters travelling from Jind and Sonipat will gain direct connectivity to Azadpur station in North Delhi. This will simplify transit for hundreds of daily office workers, students, and traders moving across the state border.
- **Seat Availability:** With an overall capacity of approximately 2,600 passengers, travelers can expect spacious, comfortable rides. The high capacity significantly reduces crowding issues typically experienced on regional transit.
- **Schedule and Frequency:** Incorporating Delhi into the route will likely lead to updated departure times and additional operational adjustments. Passengers will need to plan their daily transit around the revised timetable once finalized.

## Why this happened
The proposed route extension is driven by low patronage on the Jind-Sonipat line compared to the train's substantial passenger capacity.

- **Low Passenger Ridership:** The train currently transports only 40 to 60 passengers daily despite accommodating up to 2,600 people per journey. This massive gap left the service severely underutilized in its present corridor.
- **Curtailed Daily Schedules:** Plummeting ticket sales forced railway authorities to trim daily operations down to a single return run from the originally scheduled two trips. A route extension aims to justify continuous operational deployment.
- **Access to Commuter Hubs:** Connecting directly to Delhi provides immediate access to a dense network of regular commuters. High passenger volumes in the capital can quickly solve the existing seat vacancy issue.
- **Compatible Fuel Range:** The train can cover between 250 and 300 kilometers on a single hydrogen tank, easily managing the 130-kilometer run to Delhi. Existing fueling facilities at Jind are sufficient to support this extended distance.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. Which route is the hydrogen train currently running on?
The train currently operates along an 89-kilometer corridor between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana.

### 2. Which railway station in Delhi might the route be extended to?
Railway authorities are planning to extend the train's route up to Azadpur station in Delhi.

### 3. How many passengers are currently using the service daily?
Despite having a capacity for around 2,600 passengers, only 40 to 60 commuters use the train daily.

### 4. What is the operational range of the train on a full hydrogen tank?
According to railway officials, the train can cover a distance of about 250 to 300 kilometers on a single fill.

### 5. Where is the hydrogen refueling station located?
At present, the dedicated hydrogen refueling infrastructure is established only at Jind.

### 6. When was India's first hydrogen train inaugurated?
According to railway officials, the train service was launched on July 17.

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