Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first hydrogen-fuel-cell passenger train in Jind, Haryana, on July 17, 2026.
The launch marks a shift toward cleaner rail transport and showcases the country's ability to develop indigenous green technology. By integrating hydrogen power into the national rail network, India aims to reduce its carbon footprint and align with the 'Make in India' initiative.
The new train is described as the world's longest hydrogen train [2]. It consists of 10 coaches [1] and is designed for zero emissions [5]. The propulsion system delivers 3,200 horsepower [3], allowing the train to operate without the traditional overhead electrical lines or diesel engines that characterize most of the rail network.
Operating on the Jind-Sonipat railway route, the train covers a total distance of 89 km [4]. The route includes 12 stations [4], serving as a testing ground for the scalability of hydrogen-cell technology in a high-density passenger environment.
Officials said the project positions India among a small group of nations currently utilizing hydrogen for rail transport. The initiative is intended to prove that zero-emission technology can be scaled for long-distance passenger travel while maintaining the power necessary for heavy rail operations.
The deployment in Haryana serves as a primary milestone for the 'Make in India' campaign, emphasizing the transition from importing foreign green technology to developing domestic alternatives. The government said the project is a step toward a broader goal of sustainable mobility across the subcontinent.
“The 10-coach zero-emission train is described as the world's longest hydrogen-powered rail vehicle.”
The introduction of a 10-coach hydrogen train signals India's intent to bypass traditional electrification in certain corridors in favor of fuel-cell technology. By focusing on indigenous production through the 'Make in India' initiative, the government is attempting to secure a strategic advantage in the global green-hydrogen economy and reduce reliance on imported energy infrastructure.
