Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered train, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation. The train began operations on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana, making India one of the few countries to deploy hydrogen fuel-cell technology in commercial railway services.
The hydrogen-powered train generates electricity through hydrogen fuel cells by combining hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapour as its primary emission. Unlike conventional diesel locomotives, the new technology significantly reduces carbon emissions and supports India’s broader commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and promoting green mobility.
Designed using indigenous technology under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the train consists of two hydrogen-powered driving coaches and eight passenger coaches. Each driving coach is equipped with a 1,200-kilowatt fuel-cell power system, making it one of the most powerful hydrogen-powered trains in the world. The service is supported by India’s largest hydrogen refuelling facility, established at Jind to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Railway officials said the train has been equipped with advanced safety systems, including hydrogen leak detection, temperature monitoring and automated emergency response mechanisms. With a passenger capacity of around 2,600 people and modern onboard amenities, the train is expected to provide an environmentally friendly alternative without compromising passenger comfort or operational efficiency.
India now joins countries such as Germany, France and China, which have already introduced hydrogen-powered rail services as part of their efforts to decarbonise public transportation. Germany pioneered commercial hydrogen passenger trains in 2018, while several other nations continue expanding hydrogen rail networks to replace diesel-powered services.
The launch reflects Indian Railways’ growing emphasis on adopting clean energy technologies and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Officials believe the successful deployment of hydrogen-powered trains could pave the way for similar services on additional routes across the country, particularly on non-electrified and heritage railway lines. As India continues investing in green infrastructure, the hydrogen train project is expected to play a key role in modernising the national rail network while supporting the country’s long-term environmental and energy sustainability goals.
