Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered train from Jind, Haryana, on July 17, 2026 [1].

The launch marks a significant step in the Indian Railways' green mobility mission. By transitioning to hydrogen fuel-cell technology, the government aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly rail travel across the country [3].

The new service operates on the Jind–Sonipat route, which covers a distance of 89 km [4]. The train consists of 10 coaches [1] and is designed with a passenger capacity of 2,600 people [2]. According to technical specifications, the train can reach a maximum operating speed of 75 km/h [4].

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize the rail network while meeting environmental targets. The hydrogen fuel-cell system allows the train to operate without the heavy carbon footprint associated with traditional diesel locomotives, a shift that aligns with India's commitment to sustainable infrastructure.

Officials said the project serves as a pilot for future expansions of hydrogen technology in the transport sector. The deployment in Haryana provides a testing ground for the scalability of fuel-cell trains before they are integrated into larger, more complex rail corridors across different states [2].

“India's first hydrogen-powered train is a 10-coach service capable of carrying 2,600 passengers.”

The introduction of hydrogen fuel-cell technology into the Indian rail network signals a strategic pivot away from fossil fuels in heavy transport. While the current operating speed of 75 km/h is modest, the successful deployment of a high-capacity, 2,600-passenger train demonstrates the technical viability of hydrogen as a clean energy alternative for mass transit in South Asia.