Concord unit wins Rs 47 crore NTPC hydrogen locomotive contract

Concord Control Systems Limited has secured a historic contract, valued at Rs 47 crore, to develop the world’s highest-horsepower green hydrogen hybrid locomotive. The project, awarded to its subsidiary Advanced Rail Controls Private Limited by NTPC Limited, will convert a diesel locomotive into a 3,100 HP hydrogen-powered engine, nearly doubling the existing global benchmark.

The project aims to deliver a commercially deployable freight locomotive using green hydrogen. With a planned output of 3,100 HP, the system exceeds the current global benchmark of around 1,600 HP for hydrogen-based rail propulsion. The company stated that the locomotive is being designed for high-capacity freight operations rather than experimental or prototype use.

Project execution will be undertaken in collaboration with Railway Engineering Works. The partners will focus on integrating hydrogen propulsion into an existing diesel platform, to demonstrate operational reliability and commercial viability for heavy-duty rail transport.

According to the company, the contract is part of NTPC Limited’s broader efforts to support the commercialisation of hydrogen-based mobility solutions and create demand for green hydrogen. Company leadership described the project as aligned with India’s clean transport and industrial development goals.

The initiative supports Indian Railways’ target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 and aligns with the Make in India programme. Concord Control Systems Limited stated that, as a Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO)-approved Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), it will draw on its research and development capabilities to meet applicable safety and performance standards for hydrogen-powered rail systems.