India flagged off its first hydrogen-powered train on July 17, 2026, from Jind, Haryana. The train runs on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route with 12 intermediate stops. It uses hydrogen fuel cell technology that produces only water vapor as exhaust, eliminating direct carbon dioxide emissions at the point of use. The 10-coach train can carry about 2,600 passengers, with a maximum approved speed of 75 kmph and a design speed of 110 kmph. The train was developed by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. Each driving power car has a 1,200-kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system, giving a combined power output of 2,400 kW. Indian Railways set up a dedicated hydrogen storage and refueling facility at Jind. The project is part of the Hydrogen for Heritage initiative launched in 2023 for deploying hydrogen trains on selected routes. Globally, countries like Germany, Japan, China, and the United States already operate hydrogen-powered trains. This launch marks India's entry into hydrogen rail technology, which could help decarbonize rail transport on routes that are not electrified. The technology's main advantage is zero tailpipe emissions, though the hydrogen production method and overall lifecycle emissions will determine the true climate benefit.
