Jind (Haryana), July 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated a landmark chapter in India’s railway journey by flagging off the country’s first hydrogen powered passenger train from Jind railway station in Haryana. The train will operate between Jind and Sonipat, marking a major advancement in India’s efforts to promote clean energy based transportation.
The launch places India among a select group of nations that have successfully introduced hydrogen-powered trains into passenger services. The initiative reflects the government’s focus on reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency and developing sustainable alternatives to conventional fuel-based transportation.
The newly launched hydrogen train will cover the 89-kilometre route between Jind and Sonipat in nearly two hours. During its journey, the train will stop at 12 intermediate stations, improving connectivity across the region.
The inauguration ceremony at Jind railway station was attended by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, along with senior railway officials and other dignitaries.
As the train departed from the station, Prime Minister Modi waved to passengers onboard, which included several school students who witnessed the historic moment. The launch highlighted India’s growing capabilities in developing advanced railway technologies within the country.
Indigenous Technology Powers India’s Green Railway Vision
The hydrogen-powered train has been designed, developed and integrated using Indian engineering expertise. The project represents a significant achievement in the railway sector, showcasing the country’s ability to create advanced transportation solutions through domestic innovation.
The train features a modern sky-blue and white exterior design and operates on hydrogen fuel cell technology. Unlike traditional diesel engines, hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, allowing the train to move without producing harmful emissions.
The only by-product released during the process is water vapour, making the train an environmentally friendly alternative with zero direct carbon emissions during operation.
A Cleaner Alternative to Diesel-Based Rail Transport
Hydrogen-powered trains offer several advantages over conventional diesel locomotives. They eliminate harmful exhaust emissions, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and provide a quieter travel experience due to lower operational noise.
The technology is particularly beneficial for railway routes where complete electrification through overhead power lines may be difficult or expensive. Since hydrogen trains generate electricity onboard, they can operate without requiring continuous electrification infrastructure along the tracks.
The introduction of hydrogen-powered mobility is also aligned with India’s broader green hydrogen mission, which aims to increase the use of clean energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuel-based power generation.
High-Capacity Hydrogen Train Developed for Passenger Service
India’s first hydrogen train comes with a 10-coach configuration, placing it among the longest hydrogen-powered passenger trains developed globally. Equipped with a powerful 3,200 horsepower propulsion system, the train is designed to deliver efficient performance while maintaining environmental standards.
The technology is expected to encourage further adoption of hydrogen-based transportation solutions in the future, especially as India continues to expand its clean energy infrastructure.
Boost to Sustainable Railways and Energy Security
The launch of the hydrogen train is being viewed as a major step towards transforming India’s railway sector into a greener and more sustainable network. By reducing emissions and lowering dependence on traditional fuels, hydrogen-based transport can play an important role in achieving long-term climate and energy goals.
The Jind-Sonipat hydrogen train project also demonstrates India’s commitment to innovation-driven development and its ambition to become a global leader in clean mobility solutions.
With this historic launch, Indian Railways has entered a new phase where technology, sustainability and self-reliance come together to shape the future of transportation.