Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first indigenously built hydrogen-powered train on Friday, July 12 [5].
The launch marks a strategic shift toward reducing fossil fuel dependence and testing hydrogen as a viable future fuel source for the nation's massive rail network.
The pilot train operates on the Jind-Sonipat route in the state of Haryana [1, 3]. It utilizes a fuel-cell system that emits only water vapor, eliminating traditional exhaust emissions [2]. The train consists of 10 coaches [1] and is powered by a propulsion system with 3,200 horsepower [1].
According to a spokesperson for Indian Railways, the train can travel at speeds up to 75 km per hour and carry approximately 2,600 passengers [3]. The specific route between Jind and Sonipat covers approximately 70 km [3].
"This is a step towards a cleaner, greener future for Indian Railways," Modi said.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was also present at the ceremony. He said the launch marks a significant milestone in India's commitment to sustainable transport.
While some reports indicate the train has entered service as a pilot [2], other accounts suggest it is currently undergoing trial runs [1]. The project aims to evaluate the efficiency of hydrogen fuel in real-world conditions before scaling the technology across the broader railway system [4].
“"This is a step towards a cleaner, greener future for Indian Railways."”
The introduction of an indigenous hydrogen train signals India's intent to lead in green transport technology rather than relying solely on imported systems. By testing the fuel-cell system on a 70 km pilot route, the government is assessing the infrastructure requirements for hydrogen refueling and the operational feasibility of zero-emission heavy transport in a high-density rail environment.
