Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered passenger train on Friday, July 17, 2026 [1].
The launch represents a strategic shift toward clean energy for the nation's rail network. By replacing traditional fuels with hydrogen, India aims to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels for public transport [2].
The train, referred to as the "NaMo Green Rail" [3], began its operations at the Jind railway station in Haryana [4]. It operates on the Jind-Sonipat section of the Northern Railway [4]. This indigenous project serves as a pilot for a broader "green rail revolution" intended to modernize the country's transport infrastructure [1].
The inaugural route includes four scheduled halts [5]. These stops include Pandu Pindara Junction, Lalit Khera, Bhambhewa, and Gohana [5]. The project focuses on expanding the use of sustainable energy sources to ensure that the rail system contributes to national climate goals [2].
Officials said the transition to hydrogen power is a key step in making the rail network more environmentally sustainable. The use of hydrogen allows the train to emit only water vapor, eliminating the carbon footprint associated with diesel locomotives [2].
“India's first hydrogen-powered passenger train”
The introduction of the NaMo Green Rail signals India's intent to diversify its energy portfolio beyond electrification. By piloting hydrogen technology on a specific regional corridor, the government is testing the scalability of zero-emission propulsion in a high-density transit environment, which could eventually influence global standards for sustainable heavy transport.
