India’s First Hydrogen Train Launched: Route, Speed, Timings and Other Details

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off India's first hydrogen train at the Jind railway station in Haryana, marking the country's entry into a select group of nations operating trains powered by hydrogen fuel. The launch is part of a larger push towards greener mobility, with hydrogen being considered among the cleanest fuel options available for rail transport. The pilot project is expected to offer valuable learnings for remote and heritage routes on Indian Railways, where hydrogen powered trains could serve as a viable alternative to full route electrification. Over the last 12 years, Indian Railways has sharply cut its dependence on imported diesel through rapid electrification, with more than 99 percent of the broad gauge network now electrified. The hydrogen train marks the next step in this journey, generating its own electricity onboard instead of drawing power from overhead electric lines like conventional electric trains.

Route, Train Number And Timings

India's first hydrogen powered train will run between Jind and Sonipat, covering the journey in a little over two hours. Train number 74010 will depart from Jind daily at 7:40 am and reach Sonipat by 9:40 am. On the return leg, train number 74009 will leave Sonipat at 10:40 am and arrive in Jind at 1 pm, taking 2 hours and 20 minutes. En route, the train will halt at Jind City, Pandu Pindara, Lalit Khera, Bhambeva, Ishapur Kheri, Butana, Khandrai, Gohana, Rabhra, Lath, Mohana Haryana and Barwasni. The service will operate under Northern Railways, with primary maintenance based at Jind. PM Narendra Modi Flags Off India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train, Marking Milestone in Green Rail Transport (Video).

PM Modi Flags Off India's First Hydrogen-Powered Train From Jind

Key Facts About The Train

India's first hydrogen train is a 10 coach passenger train, making it the longest hydrogen train of its kind in the world, since globally most operational or under-testing hydrogen trains carry only two to three passenger coaches. The train has a design speed of 110 kmph, though it will run at a maximum of 75 kmph on the Jind-Sonipat section. It has a passenger carrying capacity of 2,600 and is powered by a 3,200 horsepower propulsion system, making it one of the most powerful hydrogen trainsets currently in operation anywhere in the world. Germany, Japan, China and the United States are currently among the few countries either commercially running or testing hydrogen train technology, and India's launch places it among this small group of nations. The train has been designed, engineered and integrated entirely in India using indigenous technology. PM Narendra Modi Says Dream of India Receiving Its First Hydrogen Train About To Come True.

How Does A Hydrogen Train Work

Hydrogen fuel cell technology generates electricity through a chemical reaction involving hydrogen, releasing only water vapour as a by-product. Unlike diesel locomotives that rely on combustion for mechanical energy, the hydrogen train carries an onboard power plant based on Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology. Hydrogen stored in cylinders mounted on the train reacts with oxygen drawn from the surrounding air inside the fuel cell to generate electricity, which powers the traction motors that drive the wheels. This electrochemical process produces only water vapour and heat, eliminating combustion, smoke and tailpipe carbon emissions entirely. The trainset comprises two hydrogen driving power cars and eight trailer coaches, with each power car equipped with hydrogen fuel cells, lithium iron phosphate batteries and hydrogen storage cylinders working together to deliver traction power.

Hydrogen Storage And Refuelling Facility At Jind

An indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has been set up at Jind to support the train's operations. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has granted the required licence for the storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas at the facility. The refuelling infrastructure includes a hydrogen compression system, along with technical support and critical spare components to ensure reliable operations, backed by a standby compressor. Safety equipment across the hydrogen production, storage and dispensing facility, including leak detectors and flame detectors, will undergo regular inspection to maintain safe functioning.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2026 12:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).