Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first hydrogen-fuel-cell powered train on July 17, 2026 [2].
The launch marks a significant shift in the Indian Railways’ green-mobility mission. By transitioning away from traditional fuels, the government aims to reduce the carbon footprint of one of the world's largest rail networks.
The new service, named the “NaMo Green Rail,” operates on a route connecting Jind and Sonipat in Haryana [1]. The train departed from the Jind railway station to begin its operations [1]. This specific service covers a total length of 89 km [3].
Indigenous technology powers the fleet, which utilizes hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity. Unlike diesel or electric trains that rely on overhead lines, this system emits only water vapor and heat [1]. This technology allows the rail service to operate without producing greenhouse gas emissions during transit [1].
The project is part of a broader strategy to showcase home-grown innovation in sustainable transport. The government intends for this rollout to serve as a blueprint for future expansions of hydrogen-powered transit across the country [1].
Indian Railways has prioritized the integration of clean energy to meet national climate goals. The deployment of the NaMo Green Rail represents the first operational step in replacing older, polluting locomotives with zero-emission alternatives [1].
“The NaMo Green Rail emits only water vapour and heat.”
The introduction of hydrogen-fuel-cell technology into the Indian rail network signals a strategic move toward energy independence and decarbonization. By developing indigenous hydrogen trains, India is attempting to bypass the infrastructure costs of full electrification in certain regions while eliminating the pollution associated with diesel engines.
