Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate India’s first hydrogen-powered train from Jind railway station in Haryana on July 17, marking a major milestone in Indian Railways’ efforts to adopt cleaner and more sustainable transportation technologies. The launch is expected to signal the beginning of hydrogen-powered rail operations in the country as part of the national push towards decarbonising the transport sector.
The hydrogen-powered train has undergone extensive trials over the past two-and-a-half months on the Jind–Sonipat–New Delhi section, with test runs conducted at speeds ranging between 75 kmph and 120 kmph. Following the proposed flag-off, the train is expected to commence commercial operations on the Jind–Sonipat route, covering approximately 356 km daily through two round trips of 89 km each.
The train consists of two driving power cars and eight passenger coaches, offering 682 seats and an overall passenger carrying capacity of around 2,600. Each driving power car is equipped with a 1,200-kilowatt hydrogen fuel-cell power system, capable of generating nearly 1,600 horsepower, providing sufficient traction while producing only water vapour as the primary emission. The technology is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions and dependence on conventional diesel traction.
Hydrogen fuel-cell technology generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, eliminating direct greenhouse gas emissions during operation. The introduction of hydrogen-powered trains forms part of Indian Railways’ broader strategy to promote green mobility, improve energy efficiency and reduce its environmental footprint while modernising the national rail network.
The proposed launch is expected to position India among a select group of countries deploying hydrogen-powered passenger trains and represents another step towards achieving the country’s long-term sustainability and net-zero objectives. The project also highlights Indian Railways’ focus on adopting advanced technologies to support environmentally responsible and future-ready transportation infrastructure.
