India has entered a new chapter in sustainable transportation after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off the country’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana. The launch places India among a select group of nations operating hydrogen-powered trains and marks a significant milestone in the country’s push towards cleaner and greener public transport.
The newly launched train has been designed, engineered and integrated entirely in India using indigenous technology. Railway officials said the project highlights India’s growing expertise in advanced rail engineering while supporting the government’s clean energy goals.
Unlike conventional diesel trains, the hydrogen-powered train generates electricity onboard through hydrogen fuel cells. The technology combines hydrogen with oxygen from the atmosphere to produce electrical energy, with only water vapour and heat released as by-products. Since there is no combustion of fossil fuels, the train operates with zero direct carbon emissions and significantly lower noise levels.
During its inaugural run, the train reportedly operated smoothly at around 70 kmph, offering passengers a quieter and more comfortable travel experience. The train has an operational speed of 75 kmph and a design speed of 110 kmph on the nearly 89-kilometre Jind–Sonipat section.
Officials said the train is equipped with a powerful 3,200-horsepower propulsion system and features 10 passenger coaches, making it one of the longest and most powerful hydrogen-powered passenger trains currently in operation anywhere in the world.
One of the key advantages of the hydrogen train is that it generates electricity onboard and does not depend on continuous overhead electric lines. This makes it suitable for routes where electrification is difficult or expensive while also reducing reliance on electricity generated from fossil fuel-based power plants.
To ensure passenger safety, the train has been fitted with multiple monitoring systems capable of detecting hydrogen leaks, smoke, excessive heat and flames. Railway authorities said these safety mechanisms have been incorporated to meet international operational standards.
Hydrogen-powered rail technology is already being explored globally. Germany became the first country to introduce commercial hydrogen passenger trains, while countries including France, Italy, Japan and China have also launched pilot projects. However, Indian Railways says its new 10-coach train is among the largest hydrogen-powered passenger trainsets developed so far, reflecting the country’s ambitions in green mobility and sustainable transport.
