Sci-Tech · 18 Jul 2026

hydrogen fuel cell train PEMFC

With reference to India's first hydrogen fuel cell-powered train, consider the following statements:

  1. The train uses a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell system, which generates electricity through the combustion of hydrogen.
  2. India's broad-gauge railway network is approximately 99% electrified.
  3. The train was flagged off on the Jind-Sonipat section, making India the fourth country after Germany, Japan and China to operate hydrogen-powered rail.
  4. The PEMFC system's only byproducts are water vapour and heat.

How many of the above statements are correct?

AOnly one
BOnly two
COnly three
DAll four
This question is based on: India's First Hydrogen Train Runs on a Route Electrification Was Never Going to Reach
Take this in full test mode → Instructions for 18 Jul 2026
About this question

Why in news

PM Modi flagged off India's first hydrogen fuel cell-powered train on the Jind-Sonipat section in Haryana on July 17, positioning India among a small group of countries operating hydrogen rail.

Why for UPSC

UPSC frequently plants a single technical error (combustion vs chemical reaction) inside an otherwise accurate statement set - testing precise understanding of the underlying science, not just headline recall.

Prelims summary

PEMFC trains generate electricity via a chemical reaction (not combustion) between hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water vapour and heat; India's hydrogen train launched on the 99%-electrified network's Jind-Sonipat route, making it the fourth country globally with hydrogen rail.

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