PM Narendra Modi Flags Off India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train, Marking Milestone in Green Rail Transport (Video)
PM Modi on Friday flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train at the Jind railway station in Haryana. The launch marks a significant shift toward green transit for Indian Railways, placing the country among a select group of nations globally utilizing or testing advanced hydrogen fuel cell technology for rail travel.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered passenger train from Jind railway station in Haryana, marking a major step in the country's transition towards clean and sustainable transportation. The launch places India among a select group of nations that have adopted hydrogen fuel cell technology for railway operations, as Indian Railways pushes to reduce carbon emissions and modernise its network.
Hydrogen Train to Operate on Jind–Sonipat Route
The hydrogen-powered train will initially run on the 89-kilometre Jind–Sonipat section in Haryana. It has been introduced as a pilot project to evaluate the operational feasibility of hydrogen fuel technology before it is expanded to other routes across the country. PM Narendra Modi Says Dream of India Receiving Its First Hydrogen Train About To Come True.
PM Modi Flags Off India's First Hydrogen-Powered Train From Jind
The train has been assigned dedicated services on the route and will stop at multiple stations between Jind and Sonipat, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional diesel-powered trains.
Powered by Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Unlike diesel locomotives, the train generates electricity through hydrogen fuel cells by combining hydrogen and oxygen. The only direct by-product of this process is water vapour, making it a near-zero-emission mode of transport. PM Narendra Modi To Launch India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train From Haryana’s Jind Today.
The 10-coach train consists of two hydrogen-powered driving cars and eight passenger coaches. Each driving car generates around 1,200 kW of power, giving the train a combined output of 2,400 kW. It has a passenger capacity of approximately 2,600 and a maximum design speed of 110 kmph, with an operational speed of around 75 kmph.
Developed Under 'Make in India'
The project has been developed using indigenous technology under the "Make in India" initiative, with contributions from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), Medha Servo Drives and the Integral Coach Factory.
Indian Railways has also established the country's largest hydrogen refuelling facility at Jind to support the train's operations. The project incorporates multiple safety features, including hydrogen leak detectors, fire and heat monitoring systems and continuous onboard safety surveillance.
Part of a Broader Infrastructure Push
The launch formed part of Prime Minister Modi's visit to Haryana, Chandigarh and Punjab, during which he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for infrastructure projects worth more than ₹26,000 crore across sectors including railways, highways, healthcare and education.
Boost to India's Green Mobility Mission
The hydrogen train is a key component of Indian Railways' long-term strategy to adopt cleaner energy solutions, particularly on non-electrified routes. Officials believe the successful implementation of the pilot project could pave the way for wider deployment of hydrogen-powered trains across the country.
With the launch, India joins countries such as Germany, France and China in exploring hydrogen-based railway technology, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable transport and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2026 11:53 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).