Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first indigenously developed hydrogen-fuel-cell passenger train on July 17, 2026 [2].
The launch represents a significant step in India's strategy to decarbonize its massive rail network. By transitioning to zero-emission technology, the government aims to meet broader clean-energy goals and reduce the carbon footprint of public transportation.
The new service operates on the Jind-Sonipat section in Haryana [1]. The train consists of 10 coaches [1] and utilizes hydrogen-fuel-cell technology to power its movement without emitting greenhouse gases. This indigenous development marks a shift toward domestic manufacturing of high-tech green transit solutions.
Officials said the project is part of a wider sustainability drive to modernize the railway infrastructure. The use of hydrogen fuel cells allows the train to operate with zero emissions, releasing only water vapor into the atmosphere.
This deployment on the Jind-Sonipat line serves as a pilot for future expansions. The government intends to scale this technology across other routes to further cut rail emissions and advance the nation's decarbonization targets [3].
“India launched its first indigenously developed hydrogen-fuel-cell passenger train.”
The introduction of indigenous hydrogen-powered trains signals India's intent to move beyond electrification and diesel toward a diversified green energy portfolio. By developing this technology domestically, India reduces its reliance on foreign imports for rail modernization while positioning itself as a leader in the global transition toward zero-emission heavy transport.
