Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered train from Jind railway station in Haryana this week.
The launch represents a strategic shift toward carbon-neutral infrastructure. By deploying hydrogen technology, India aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels within the national rail network while promoting domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Modi said the train is the world's most powerful. The locomotive is equipped with a 3,200-horsepower engine [1] and a 10-coach configuration [1]. The service is designed to operate between Jind and Sonipat [1].
This initiative is positioned as a cornerstone of the "Make in India" campaign. Modi said the project is a major Make in India success and a leap toward clean, sustainable rail transport [2]. The transition to hydrogen power is intended to lower the environmental impact of long-distance transport across the region.
Alongside the train launch, the government announced several development projects. Reports on the total value of these projects vary between Rs 14,700 crore [1] and Rs 15,000 crore [2]. These investments are intended to modernize the regional infrastructure, and support the integration of green energy into the transport sector.
The deployment of the train in Haryana serves as a pilot for potential wider implementation across the Indian railway system. The government intends to use these results to scale hydrogen-based propulsion, a move that would align with international goals to reach net-zero emissions.
“India's first hydrogen‑powered train is the world's most powerful.”
The introduction of a high-horsepower hydrogen train signals India's intent to compete in the global green-tech race. By focusing on 'Make in India,' the government is attempting to build a domestic supply chain for hydrogen fuel cells, reducing dependence on foreign technology while addressing the high carbon footprint of heavy rail transport.
