The first hydrogen-powered train in India will travel 89 kilometers in Haryana.

India has achieved a major milestone in green transportation by launching its first hydrogen-powered passenger train, marking a significant step toward cleaner and more sustainable railway travel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the train on 17 July 2026. The train will operate on the 89-kilometre Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana, making India one of the few countries in the world to introduce hydrogen-powered rail technology. Instead of using diesel, the train runs on hydrogen fuel cells that generate electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen, producing only water vapour as the main emission. This technology is expected to reduce pollution, lower carbon emissions, and support India's long-term environmental goals. The hydrogen-powered train has been developed using indigenous technology under the "Make in India" initiative. It consists of two hydrogen-powered driving coaches and eight passenger coaches, with a seating and carrying capacity of around 2,600 passengers. The train can operate at speeds suitable for regional passenger services while providing a quieter and cleaner travel experience than conventional diesel trains. To support the new technology, Indian Railways has also established a dedicated hydrogen production, storage, and refuelling facility at Jind, ensuring safe and efficient operation of the service.

Advanced safety systems have been installed to continuously monitor hydrogen pressure, detect leaks, and maintain passenger safety. The choice of the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana was made after careful technical evaluation. The route is approximately 89 kilometres long, includes several intermediate stations, and provides suitable operating conditions for testing and demonstrating hydrogen-powered railway technology. Railway officials believe this corridor offers the right balance of passenger demand, infrastructure, and operational requirements to successfully introduce the country's first hydrogen train. The project is expected to provide valuable experience that can help expand hydrogen-powered rail services to other suitable non-electrified routes in the future. This launch is not only an achievement for Indian Railways but also an important step in India's broader green hydrogen mission. The hydrogen train demonstrates the country's commitment to developing environmentally friendly transport solutions and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. While more than 99% of India's broad-gauge railway network has already been electrified, hydrogen technology offers an additional clean-energy option for routes where alternative fuel solutions may be beneficial. Experts believe the project will encourage further research, investment, and innovation in hydrogen technology, strengthening India's position among nations promoting sustainable transportation and supporting its long-term target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions.