India’s first hydrogen train marks a significant milestone in the country’s transition towards sustainable transportation and cleaner railway operations. Flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the hydrogen-powered train will operate on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana under the Northern Railway. With Indian Railways carrying over 23 million passengers daily across one of the world’s largest rail networks, adopting hydrogen fuel cell technology has the potential to dramatically reduce dependence on diesel-powered trains and lower carbon emissions.

The pilot project places India among a select group of countries deploying hydrogen-powered rail technology, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to green mobility, energy security, and innovation in public transport.

A Major Leap Towards Green Rail Transport

Ahead of the launch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the project as a major achievement, noting that India has joined an exclusive group of nations operating hydrogen-powered trains. Unlike conventional diesel locomotives, the new train uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, producing only water vapour and heat as by-products during operation. The project also includes dedicated hydrogen storage and refuelling infrastructure, laying the foundation for future hydrogen-powered rail services across the country.

Developed as a pilot initiative, the train will help Indian Railways evaluate hydrogen fuel cell technology before expanding its adoption to other routes.

Key Features of India’s First Hydrogen Train

How Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology Works

#WATCH | Jind, Haryana: Prime Minister Narendra Modi to flag off the country’s first hydrogen-powered train from Jind, Haryana. A significant step in India’s push towards cleaner and more sustainable rail transport. pic.twitter.com/DtrQ1z2vmN

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2026

• At the heart of India’s first hydrogen train is a 1,200-kilowatt Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) system.
• Compressed hydrogen stored in high-pressure cylinders is supplied to the fuel cells, where hydrogen reacts with oxygen from the atmosphere through an electrochemical process.
• During this reaction, hydrogen molecules split into protons and electrons.
• While the protons pass through a special membrane, the electrons travel through an external circuit, generating electricity that powers the train’s traction motors.
• Oxygen then combines with the hydrogen particles, producing only water vapour and heat, eliminating smoke and significantly reducing carbon emissions.

The train also features Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries, which store excess electricity generated by the fuel cells. These batteries provide additional power during acceleration and recover energy through regenerative braking, improving overall efficiency while reducing hydrogen consumption.

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Connecting Haryana with Cleaner Mobility

The train will connect Jind Junction, Gohana Junction, and Sonipat, while serving several 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.

Beyond offering a cleaner travel option for thousands of passengers, the project serves as a real-world testing ground for hydrogen-powered rail technology in Indian conditions.

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Paving the Way for Sustainable Railways

As Indian Railways continues to modernise its network, hydrogen-powered trains could play a vital role in reducing emissions on non-electrified routes while supporting India’s broader clean energy goals. With advanced fuel cell technology, hybrid battery storage, and dedicated hydrogen infrastructure, the pilot project represents an important step towards making railway transportation more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally responsible.

If successful, it could accelerate the rollout of hydrogen-powered trains across the country and strengthen India’s position as a global leader in green transportation innovation

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