Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first hydrogen-fuel-cell powered passenger train on Friday in the state of Haryana [1, 2, 3].
The launch represents a significant shift toward sustainable transport for one of the world's largest rail networks. By replacing diesel emissions with hydrogen technology, the government aims to reduce the environmental impact of long-distance travel and establish a clean-energy blueprint for future infrastructure.
The train, named NaMo Green Rail [4], began its journey on the Jind-Sonipat route [1, 2, 3]. This deployment is part of a broader sustainability drive to decarbonize the rail network and showcase a "Make in India" milestone in clean-energy technology [2, 3, 5].
The new locomotive consists of 10 coaches [2]. According to official reports, the train is the longest hydrogen-powered train in the world [2]. This technical achievement is intended to prove that hydrogen fuel cells can support larger passenger loads over significant distances, a critical step for scaling the technology across the subcontinent.
During the same event, the government announced the redevelopment of 75 railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme [6]. This initiative runs parallel to the introduction of the hydrogen train, focusing on modernizing station infrastructure to support new energy requirements and increased passenger capacity.
Modi said the project is a milestone for the "Make in India" initiative [2]. The move aligns with national goals to cut reliance on fossil fuels and transition toward a net-zero carbon economy. The Jind-Sonipat corridor will serve as the primary testing ground for the fuel-cell system's efficiency and reliability in local conditions [1, 2].
“The train, named NaMo Green Rail, began its journey on the Jind-Sonipat route.”
The introduction of the NaMo Green Rail signals India's intent to move beyond electrification and toward hydrogen as a viable alternative for non-electrified routes. By claiming the record for the world's longest hydrogen train, India is positioning itself as a leader in green rail technology, potentially reducing the cost of hydrogen infrastructure for other developing nations while meeting domestic climate targets.
