Hydrogen – India Launches First Hydrogen-Powered Passenger Train from Haryana
Hydrogen – India achieved a significant milestone in sustainable transportation on Friday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the country’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train from Jind railway station in Haryana. The train will operate on the Jind-Sonipat route, marking India’s entry into a select group of nations that are adopting hydrogen technology for cleaner railway operations. Alongside the launch, the Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects in Haryana valued at nearly Rs 15,000 crore.
India Enters the Hydrogen Rail Era
Addressing a public gathering after the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi described the launch as an important chapter in the evolution of Indian Railways. He noted that railway technology has progressed from steam engines in the 19th century to diesel and electric trains in the 20th century, while hydrogen-powered trains now represent the next phase of railway development in the 21st century.
He said the launch had secured a permanent place for Jind and Haryana in the history of Indian Railways. According to him, just as the country’s first train between Bombay and Thane remains historically significant, the Jind-Sonipat route will now be remembered for introducing India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger service.
Development Projects and Infrastructure Push
During his visit, the Prime Minister announced development initiatives worth around Rs 14,700 crore, including National Highway projects exceeding Rs 12,470 crore across Haryana. He also distributed symbolic keys to beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin and highlighted the government’s focus on infrastructure, connectivity and public welfare.
Modi said Haryana had witnessed rapid development over recent years and added that Jind reflected the broader progress being made across the state through infrastructure expansion and government initiatives.
Railway Modernisation and Energy Transition
The Prime Minister pointed out that nearly 99 percent of India’s railway network has been electrified over the past 12 years. Referring to recent geopolitical tensions affecting global energy supplies, including developments around the Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz, he stated that India’s growing reliance on electric rail operations has reduced its dependence on diesel compared to previous years.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw described the launch as a major technological achievement, stating that India has developed the complete capability required to build and operate hydrogen-powered trains using indigenous technology.
Features of India’s First Hydrogen Train
The newly introduced train consists of 10 coaches, making it one of the largest hydrogen-powered passenger trains currently operating anywhere in the world. While many existing hydrogen trains internationally operate with only two to four coaches on shorter regional routes, India’s version has been designed to accommodate approximately 2,600 passengers.
The train is powered by an indigenous fuel-cell-based Distributed Power Rolling Stock (DPRS) equipped with a 1,200-kilowatt propulsion system. It will initially operate on the 89-kilometre Jind-Sonipat section at a maximum operational speed of 75 kmph, although it has been engineered for speeds of up to 110 kmph.
The train comprises two Hydrogen Driving Power Cars and eight trailer coaches. Each driving unit houses hydrogen fuel cells, lithium iron phosphate batteries and hydrogen storage cylinders.
Hydrogen Infrastructure and Safety Measures
Supporting the new service is India’s largest railway hydrogen storage and refuelling facility, established at Jind. The facility can store nearly 3,000 kilograms of hydrogen and has received regulatory approval for compressed hydrogen storage and filling operations.
Railway officials said the hydrogen ecosystem has been developed according to internationally recognised safety standards, including NFPA-2 and ISO 19880 guidelines. Independent safety verification was carried out by TÜV SÜD of Germany. The system incorporates hydrogen leak detectors, flame detection equipment and continuous monitoring technology to maintain safe operations.
The hydrogen-powered train is also expected to operate more quietly than conventional diesel trains while helping reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lowering environmental impact.
Public Participation and Future Vision
Large crowds gathered at Jind to witness the inaugural event, with many residents, including women and young people, participating in the celebrations. Modi also spoke about his long association with the region and recalled visiting Jind during the early years of his organisational work. He further expressed confidence in India’s sporting ambitions, reiterating the country’s goal of hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games and bidding for the 2036 Olympic Games.
The hydrogen train project forms part of Indian Railways’ broader “Hydrogen for Heritage” initiative, first proposed during 2020-21, which aims to introduce hydrogen-powered trains on selected heritage and hill routes while promoting cleaner and more sustainable rail transportation.