India Launches First Hydrogen-Powered Train, Enters Global Green Rail Club

KATHMANDU; India has officially launched its first hydrogen-powered train, marking a major milestone in the country’s transition toward cleaner and greener transportation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the hydrogen fuel cell train on Friday, placing India among a select group of nations operating trains powered by hydrogen, reads a news report by Times of India.

The launch is part of India’s broader strategy to promote sustainable mobility and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Hydrogen is widely regarded as one of the cleanest energy sources, as it produces only water vapor as a by-product when used in fuel cells.

According to Indian media reports, Indian Railways has significantly reduced its reliance on imported diesel over the past 12 years through rapid electrification. More than 99 percent of India’s broad-gauge railway network is now electrified.

Unlike conventional electric trains that draw power from overhead lines, the newly introduced hydrogen fuel cell train generates its own electricity onboard. The train will operate under Northern Railways on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana, covering the journey in just over two hours.

The train has a design speed of 110 km per hour, while the operational speed on the Jind–Sonipat section has been capped at 75 km per hour. It can accommodate up to 2,600 passengers.

Hydrogen fuel cell technology works by converting hydrogen gas into electricity through an electrochemical reaction. Hydrogen stored in onboard cylinders reacts with oxygen from the surrounding air inside the fuel cell, generating electricity to power the train’s traction motors.

As the process does not involve combustion, the train produces no smoke or tailpipe carbon emissions, making it a significant step toward low-carbon and environmentally friendly rail transport.

The introduction of hydrogen-powered rail services is expected to strengthen India’s green energy ambitions and showcase the growing potential of hydrogen as a sustainable fuel for future transportation systems.