India launches first hydrogen train on Jind-Sonipat route: What it means for green transport and emissions

India has launched its first hydrogen-powered train on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana. The train uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, emitting only water vapor and heat instead of diesel exhaust. It is designed to run on non-electrified rail lines and includes onboard batteries for energy storage and regenerative braking. The project is part of Indian Railways' push to cut emissions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The train aligns with India's National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to scale up green hydrogen production and use across sectors. Replacing diesel trains with hydrogen models could lower air and noise pollution along rail corridors, especially on routes that are expensive to electrify. However, the long-term impact depends on whether the hydrogen used is produced from renewable sources and whether refueling infrastructure can be built at scale. Key open questions include the cost per kilometer compared to diesel and electric trains, the source of hydrogen supply, and the timeline for expanding beyond this single route. For now, the launch is a real world test of hydrogen mobility in Indian rail conditions.