Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first hydrogen fuel-cell powered train at Jind railway station in Haryana on June 26, 2026 [3].
The launch represents a strategic shift toward decarbonizing one of the world's largest rail networks. By transitioning away from diesel dependence, Indian Railways aims to lower its carbon footprint and establish a sustainable blueprint for future green propulsion.
The 10-coach train [1] generates electricity from hydrogen and emits only water vapour [2]. This pilot project is designed to evaluate the operational efficiency of hydrogen propulsion, and the viability of dedicated refuelling systems [2], [5].
Earlier trials for the technology showed promising results. The train successfully completed a trial reaching speeds of 120 kmph [4]. These tests were conducted to ensure the safety and reliability of the fuel-cell systems before the official flag-off.
The train is scheduled to operate on the Jind–Sonipat route under the Northern Railway [4]. While some reports indicated testing between Delhi and Jind, the primary operational focus for the launch remains the route between Jind and Sonipat [4].
Indian Railways is using this initiative to test the scalability of hydrogen technology. The project focuses on reducing the environmental impact of rail transport, while maintaining the speed and capacity of traditional locomotive services [2], [5].
“The 10-coach train generates electricity from hydrogen and emits only water vapour.”
The introduction of hydrogen fuel-cell technology is a critical step in India's broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions. By piloting this on the Jind–Sonipat route, the government is testing whether hydrogen can realistically replace diesel in heavy-haul transport, which remains a significant source of industrial pollution. The success of this pilot will determine the scale of investment in hydrogen infrastructure across the national rail network.
