Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first indigenous hydrogen-fuel-cell powered passenger train on May 28, 2026 [1].
The launch marks a significant shift in India's rail infrastructure as the government seeks to expand clean-energy use and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions across its vast network [2]. By transitioning to zero-emission technology, Indian Railways aims to lower the carbon footprint of passenger transport in one of the world's most populous nations [2].
The new service operates on the Jind–Sonipat section of the Northern Railway in Haryana [3]. This 10-coach train [4] is designed to transport approximately 2,600 passengers [5]. The propulsion system is powered by a 1,200-kilowatt proton exchange membrane fuel cell [5], while other technical specifications list a 3,200-horsepower propulsion system [6].
This indigenous project places India in a select group of countries utilizing hydrogen rail technology. Unlike traditional diesel engines, these fuel cells generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water vapor. The deployment in Haryana serves as a primary testing ground for the viability of hydrogen fuel at scale within the Indian rail ecosystem [3].
Indian Railways is integrating this technology as part of a broader strategy to modernize the fleet. The transition to hydrogen is intended to bridge the gap in areas where full electrification of tracks may be impractical, or too costly to implement quickly [2].
“India's first indigenous hydrogen-fuel-cell powered passenger train”
The introduction of hydrogen-powered rail suggests India is diversifying its green energy portfolio beyond battery-electric systems. By focusing on indigenous production, the government is attempting to reduce reliance on foreign technology while addressing the logistical challenges of electrifying thousands of miles of rural track. This move signals a strategic pivot toward hydrogen as a primary energy carrier for heavy transport.
