"Concord Control Systems is set to manufacture a 3100 HP hydrogen-fueled locomotive for NTPC, the largest of its kind globally."

Concord Control Systems Limited (CNCRD), a leading Indian manufacturer of embedded electronic systems and critical electronic solutions, has announced plans to develop the world’s largest 3,100 horsepower hydrogen-fuelled locomotive propulsion system. The project will be executed through its wholly owned subsidiary, Advance Rail Controls Pvt. Ltd. (ARCPL).

The announcement follows ARCPL securing a ₹47 crore work order from NTPC Limited, India’s largest integrated power utility. The project, to be undertaken in collaboration with Railway Engineering Works, marks a significant milestone in sustainable rail mobility and next-generation freight transportation.

The NTPC initiative is a flagship project in India’s green hydrogen programme. For the first time globally, a diesel locomotive will be converted into a 3,100 HP hydrogen-powered locomotive, making it the highest-horsepower diesel-to-hydrogen conversion attempted anywhere in the world. Until now, the global benchmark for hydrogen-powered rail systems stood at around 1,600 HP.

With this development, India becomes the first country to pursue hydrogen propulsion at such high horsepower for heavy-duty rail operations. Concord stated that the propulsion system is not a laboratory prototype but a commercially deployable solution designed for freight-scale use, aimed at demonstrating the real-world viability of hydrogen in heavy rail transport.

Commenting on the development, Gaurav Lath, Joint Managing Director of Concord Control Systems Limited, said the project reflects the company’s focus on research-led innovation and its commitment to zero-emission technologies. He added that hydrogen-powered locomotives represent a critical step toward building future-ready and sustainable railways, beginning in India with global ambitions.

Nitin Jain, Joint Managing Director of Concord Control Systems Limited, said the project is a major advancement in India’s clean mobility journey. According to him, the development of a high-horsepower hydrogen and battery-powered locomotive highlights the strength of indigenous engineering and collaboration between the public and private sectors, while supporting India’s broader decarbonisation goals.

From NTPC, Dr. Ritwick Ghosh described the project as the realisation of a long-held vision, noting that it addresses both hydrogen adoption challenges and the role of public sector leadership in advancing energy transition initiatives. He said the focus now shifts from conceptual planning to on-track execution.

The project aligns with the vision of Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and supports Indian Railways’ target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, well ahead of India’s national net-zero commitment for 2070. It also complements the country’s wider push towards green energy, decarbonisation, and sustainable transport infrastructure.

Globally, the announcement comes amid growing momentum for clean rail technologies, with regions such as the European Union and the United States targeting climate-neutral or net-zero rail systems by 2050, and countries including Japan, Australia, China, and Brazil advancing hydrogen and electrified rail pilots. India’s move into high-horsepower hydrogen locomotives positions it as a potential global leader in zero-emission heavy rail technology.

Beyond domestic deployment, Concord said the breakthrough opens opportunities for international partnerships across Europe, Japan, Australia, the Middle East, Africa, and North America. The company aims to expand its offerings in hydrogen- and battery-powered propulsion systems, as well as advanced locomotive electronics and subsystems.

The NTPC–Concord project reinforces India’s position as a hub for next-generation railway innovation under the Make in India initiative and is expected to support future export opportunities for hydrogen-powered locomotives. Together, the partners aim to play a key role in shaping the future of zero-emission heavy-duty transportation at a global scale.