India has launched its first hydrogen-powered passenger train on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana. The train uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, emitting only water vapor. Ticket prices range from Rs 5 to Rs 25, making it affordable for regular commuters. The train has ten coaches, can carry around 2,600 passengers, and runs at a commercial speed of 75 kmph. The pilot project aims to demonstrate the viability of hydrogen fuel technology for Indian Railways, especially on routes where full electrification is not practical. Dedicated hydrogen refueling infrastructure has been set up along the route. If successful, the initiative could expand to other routes, supporting India's broader strategy to reduce fossil fuel dependence in transport. This launch places India among a small group of nations operating hydrogen-powered passenger trains. The focus now is on operational data, cost per kilometer, and the hydrogen supply chain to assess whether this scales beyond the pilot.
