India’s first hydrogen fuel cell train has officially begun operations, marking a major milestone in the country’s clean mobility journey. While the historic flag-off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Jind in Haryana captured national attention, an important part of this achievement was designed in Kochi, highlighting Kerala’s growing contribution to advanced engineering and green technology.
A key component behind the project is the hydrogen refuelling station (HRS), developed by Fluitron India, which operates from the Cochin Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) at Kakkanad. The system was engineered in Kochi and manufactured at the company’s facility in Coimbatore, demonstrating a strong “designed in India, built in India” approach.
The hydrogen refuelling station is one of the most critical elements of the project. It converts hydrogen into high-pressure fuel and enables safe, automated refuelling of the train. The facility features a high-pressure compressor capable of delivering 18 kilograms of hydrogen per hour at 500 bar pressure, two dedicated 350-bar hydrogen dispensers, and a fully automated fuel management platform designed for maximum safety and operational efficiency.
The 10-coach hydrogen-powered train represents a significant step towards cleaner railway transportation. By replacing conventional diesel-powered services, the technology has the potential to reduce carbon emissions, lower fuel import costs, and minimise both air and noise pollution. The train is currently designed to operate at speeds of up to 75 km/h.
Indian Railways is also planning to expand hydrogen-powered operations to heritage railway routes, including Darjeeling, Kalka-Shimla, and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Fluitron is expected to support these future projects with similar hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.
Adding to the Kerala connection, the project was led by two Malayali professionals. Tom Joseph, Global President and Managing Director of Fluitron, played a key leadership role in the initiative. With more than four decades of experience in industrial and specialty gases, he previously held senior positions at Air Products before founding Bethlehem Hydrogen, a company focused on hydrogen refuelling technologies. He holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University and an MBA from Moravian University.
The execution of the project was overseen by Shaju S., Director of Operations at Fluitron India and a native of Thrippunithura. Before joining the company, he served at BPCL’s Kochi Refinery and has extensive experience in the energy sector. According to him, the project’s rapid implementation was supported by the government’s strong focus on accelerating India’s hydrogen mission.
Fluitron is recognised globally for its expertise in gas compression and hydrogen dispensing technologies. With more than 50 years of experience in diaphragm compressor systems and over two decades in hydrogen infrastructure, the company supplies advanced solutions for hydrogen mobility, semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, industrial gases, and research applications.
As India moves towards cleaner transportation, the successful deployment of its first hydrogen train not only marks a technological breakthrough but also showcases Kochi’s growing role as a hub for world-class engineering and sustainable energy innovation.
