Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first hydrogen-fuel-cell powered train on Friday, July 17, 2026 [1].
The launch represents a significant step in the Indian Railways' push toward clean energy and the achievement of net-zero goals. By integrating indigenous fuel-cell technology, India aims to reduce its reliance on carbon-heavy energy sources for mass transit.
The train operates on a route from Jind to Sonipat in the state of Haryana [2]. According to technical specifications, the train can reach a maximum speed of 100 km/h [4]. The project was completed with the assistance of Medha, the primary contractor for the venture.
"We have successfully integrated hydrogen fuel-cell technology into the train," Anil Kumar, CEO of Medha, said [3].
This technological milestone places India in a small group of nations with this capability. Current estimates suggest only three to four countries are capable of running hydrogen trains [2].
"India is now among the few countries that have the capability to run hydrogen trains," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said [2].
The event also served as a broader investment announcement for the region. Alongside the train's inauguration, the Prime Minister launched development projects in Haryana worth Rs 14,700 crore [5].
A spokesperson for Indian Railways noted that the project is more than just a trial run. "The hydrogen train will be a milestone in India's journey towards clean energy," the spokesperson said [2].
“"India is now among the few countries that have the capability to run hydrogen trains,"”
The deployment of hydrogen-fuel-cell technology in India's rail network signals a strategic move to diversify its energy portfolio beyond electrification. By focusing on indigenous development, India is attempting to secure a leadership position in the global green hydrogen economy while simultaneously reducing the environmental impact of its vast transport infrastructure.
