New Delhi: India entered a new era of sustainable rail transportation on Friday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the country’s first hydrogen-powered train, making India one of the select nations to introduce hydrogen fuel cell technology for passenger rail services.
The pilot project will operate on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route under Northern Railway in Haryana and is expected to play a key role in advancing clean and zero-emission rail transport in the country.
The hydrogen-powered train uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional diesel-powered trains. The project also includes dedicated hydrogen storage and refuelling facilities, making it India’s first integrated hydrogen rail mobility initiative.
Developed as a pilot project, the train has been designed and manufactured from the prototype stage in India. It comprises a 10-coach trainset powered by a 1,200-kW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system.
While the train has been approved to operate at a maximum speed of 75 kmph, its design speed is 110 kmph. It has the capacity to accommodate around 2,600 passengers and will connect Jind Junction, Gohana Junction and Sonipat, serving intermediate stations including Jind City, Pandu Pindara Junction, Lalit Khera Halt, Bhambhewa, Isapur Kheri Halt, Butana Halt, Khandrai Halt, Rabrah Halt, Lath Halt, Mohana, Barwasni Halt and Sonipat New.
With this launch, India joins Germany, Japan, China and the United States among the countries exploring hydrogen-powered rail transportation. Germany pioneered commercial hydrogen rail services with the Alstom Coradia iLint, while Japan is developing its hydrogen-hybrid Hybari train. The United States introduced its first hydrogen-powered passenger train, Zemu, in California in 2024.
The launch marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to modernise its railway network through sustainable technologies and reinforces the country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions while promoting green mobility.
