Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first domestically designed and built hydrogen-fuel-cell passenger train on Friday, July 17, 2026 [1].
The launch marks a significant step in India's effort to decarbonize its transport sector. By transitioning from diesel to clean energy, the government aims to reduce carbon emissions across its extensive rail network [4].
Built by Indian Railways, the new train consists of 10 coaches [2]. This configuration makes it the longest hydrogen-powered passenger train in the world, as typical hydrogen trains in other nations generally feature only two or three coaches [2].
The vehicle will operate on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana [1]. This specific stretch of track covers approximately 89 km [1].
The project is part of a broader strategy to expand the use of clean energy on the rail network [4]. The use of hydrogen fuel cells allows the train to run on clean energy, emitting only water vapor rather than the pollutants associated with traditional diesel engines [3].
India now joins a select group of nations operating hydrogen-powered trains [1]. The domestic production of the 10-coach set demonstrates a shift toward indigenous technology in the green energy sector [1].
“India now joins a select group of nations operating hydrogen-powered trains.”
The deployment of a 10-coach hydrogen train suggests India is attempting to scale hydrogen technology faster than international peers, who have largely remained in the small-scale prototype phase with shorter trains. If the Jind-Sonipat route proves successful, it could provide a blueprint for replacing diesel locomotives on non-electrified lines across the country.
