Jindal Stainless Supplies 40% of Stainless Steel for India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train

Jindal Stainless has played a key role in one of India’s most significant railway modernisation projects by supplying nearly 40 per cent of the stainless steel required for the country’s first hydrogen-powered train. The development marks another milestone in India’s push towards cleaner transportation while highlighting the growing use of advanced materials in next-generation mobility solutions.

The stainless steel supplied by the company has been manufactured at its Jajpur and Hisar production facilities. The project uses premium austenitic stainless steel grade X5CrNi1810, which is known for its high corrosion resistance, durability and strength. These properties make the material well suited for railway coaches operating under demanding environmental conditions.

Hydrogen-powered trains are increasingly being viewed as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional diesel-powered rolling stock. By using hydrogen as a clean fuel, such trains can significantly reduce carbon emissions while improving the sustainability of rail transport. India has been actively exploring hydrogen-based mobility as part of its broader clean energy and decarbonisation strategy.

Stainless steel has become the preferred choice for modern railway coach manufacturing because of its lightweight nature and long service life. In addition to improving energy efficiency, the material offers excellent crashworthiness, fire resistance, impact resistance and recyclability. These advantages help reduce maintenance costs while enhancing passenger safety throughout the train’s operational life.

The hydrogen-powered train project also demonstrates the increasing importance of domestic manufacturing capabilities in supporting India’s infrastructure ambitions. With advanced materials being produced within the country, Indian manufacturers are contributing to critical transportation projects while strengthening the local supply chain.

As Indian Railways continues to adopt cleaner technologies, the demand for specialised materials is expected to grow steadily. The successful use of stainless steel in hydrogen-powered trains could encourage wider adoption across future rail projects focused on sustainability, efficiency and lower lifecycle costs.

The latest development reinforces Jindal Stainless’ position as a key supplier to India’s infrastructure and transportation sectors while reflecting the country’s commitment to building a greener and more resilient mobility ecosystem.