PM Modi Launches India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train

The 10-coach trainset marks a milestone in sustainable mobility, utilizing indigenous fuel cell technology to eliminate carbon emissions on the Jind-Sonipat route.

JIND, HARYANA – Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered train today, July 17, 2026, from Jind railway station. This historic launch introduces a new era of clean rail transportation in India, positioning the nation among a select group of countries—including Germany, Japan, China, and the United States—that have successfully operationalized hydrogen fuel cell technology for passenger transit.

The project, which represents a significant advancement in indigenous railway engineering, is designed to serve the 89-km section between Jind and Sonipat. By generating electricity onboard through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, the train produces only water vapour and heat as by-products, effectively eliminating direct carbon emissions and reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-based traction.

Engineering a Green Future

Developed as an indigenous pilot initiative, the hydrogen-powered trainset is one of the most powerful and longest of its kind globally. The configuration includes eight passenger coaches and two Driving Power Cars (DPCs), utilizing a 3,200 horsepower (HP) propulsion system.

Unlike traditional electric trains that require continuous overhead electrification, this system generates power internally. Each power car is equipped with Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells and lithium iron phosphate batteries, which provide energy to the traction motors. When the train is in motion, the fuel cells draw stored hydrogen—compressed at high pressure—and combine it with atmospheric oxygen to generate electricity.

Robust Safety Protocols

To ensure the safety of passengers and infrastructure, the project incorporates comprehensive, multi-layer monitoring systems. Officials stated that the train is equipped with specialized sensors capable of detecting hydrogen leaks, heat, flames, and smoke. The system is designed for automatic isolation and emergency shutdown, with a specialized mode in the pilot’s cabin that allows for the safe relocation of the train in the event of an abnormality.

Supporting the operation is a dedicated hydrogen fueling facility at Jind, which includes a 3,000-kg capacity storage system and a compression unit for efficient refuelling.

Impact on Connectivity and Infrastructure

The launch of the hydrogen train was part of a larger day-long visit by the Prime Minister to Haryana, Chandigarh, and Punjab, where he unveiled development projects valued at over ₹25,000 crore. Beyond the rail project, these initiatives include:

• Road Infrastructure: Foundation stones for the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway and other major highway corridors to improve inter-State transit.

• Healthcare: Dedication of new medical colleges and advanced tertiary care facilities, including a 300-bed centre for high-risk pregnancies.

• Cultural Preservation: Foundation stone for a state-of-the-art Sikh museum in Kurukshetra.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Route: Operates between Jind and Sonipat, covering 89 km with 13 scheduled stops.

• Capacity & Performance: A 10-coach formation designed for high capacity, with a design speed of 110 kmph and an operational speed of 75 kmph.

• Environmental Impact: Zero carbon emissions during operation, producing only water vapour and heat.

• Power System: Uses a 3,200 HP system powered by hydrogen fuel cells and lithium iron phosphate batteries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the hydrogen train generate power?

The train uses Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells to combine stored hydrogen with atmospheric oxygen, generating electricity onboard to drive the traction motors.

Is the train safe to operate?

Yes, the train features multi-layer safety systems, including leak detection, fire sensors, and automated emergency shutdown protocols, along with continuous monitoring of the hydrogen supply.

What is the significance of this project for Indian Railways?

This project validates indigenous hydrogen fuel cell technology for rail, aligning with the National Green Hydrogen Mission and the goal of modernizing the rail network for sustainable, zero-emission transport.

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Indian Express, The Hindu, Economic Times, NewsOnAIR