India has officially entered the league of countries operating hydrogen-powered passenger trains with the launch of its first Hydrogen Fuel Cell Train. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the train on 17 July from Jind railway station in Haryana, marking one of the biggest technological milestones in the history of Indian Railways. The launch reflects India's growing focus on clean energy, sustainable transportation and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
The new train will initially operate on the 89-kilometre Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway in Haryana. Unlike conventional diesel trains, this train generates electricity onboard through hydrogen fuel cells, making it one of the cleanest forms of railway transportation currently available.
How does a hydrogen train work?
Instead of using diesel fuel or drawing electricity from overhead power lines, the train carries compressed hydrogen gas in specially designed storage tanks.
Inside the train, hydrogen reacts chemically with oxygen from the atmosphere in a fuel cell.
This reaction produces:
- Electricity to power the train
- Water vapour
- Heat
Since no diesel is burned, the train produces zero carbon emissions at the point of operation, with water vapour being the primary by-product.
Key features
Indian Railways has equipped the train with several advanced technologies.
Some of its major features include:
- Two hydrogen-powered locomotives.
- Eight passenger coaches.
- Passenger capacity of approximately 2,600 people.
- Hydrogen Fuel Cell System producing around 1,200 kW of power.
- Maximum design speed of 110 km/h.
- Initial operational speed of about 75 km/h during early service.
- Estimated range of 250–350 km on a single hydrogen refill.
Green hydrogen production
To support the project, Indian Railways has established a Green Hydrogen Production Plant at Jind.
The hydrogen is produced using electrolysis, a process in which electricity separates water into hydrogen and oxygen. When renewable electricity is used, the resulting fuel is known as green hydrogen, making the transportation process significantly cleaner than conventional diesel-powered systems.
Why this train is important
The hydrogen train represents much more than a new railway service.
It is expected to help:
- Reduce diesel consumption.
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions.
- Cut railway pollution.
- Promote India's National Green Hydrogen Mission.
- Encourage indigenous railway technology under the Make in India initiative.
The project is also expected to support India's long-term goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
India joins a select group of nations
With this launch, India has joined a small group of countries that operate hydrogen-powered trains. Nations such as Germany, China, Japan and the United States have also been developing hydrogen rail technology in recent years.
The launch demonstrates India's growing capability to develop advanced clean transportation technologies domestically and strengthens its position in the global transition toward sustainable mobility.
Future plans
Railway officials have indicated that the Jind–Sonipat service will serve as a pilot project for evaluating hydrogen technology under Indian operating conditions.
If the project performs successfully, Indian Railways may introduce hydrogen-powered trains on additional non-electrified routes, particularly where diesel trains are still widely used. This could significantly reduce emissions while improving energy efficiency across the railway network.
A major milestone for Indian Railways
The launch of India's first hydrogen-powered train is considered one of the most significant technological developments in the country's railway sector in recent years. By combining hydrogen fuel-cell technology, indigenous engineering and green energy infrastructure, the project marks a major step toward cleaner and more sustainable public transportation.
As hydrogen technology continues to evolve, this pioneering train could become the foundation for a new generation of environmentally friendly railway services across India, helping reduce pollution while supporting the country's long-term clean energy ambitions.