Indian Railways has taken a significant step towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation with the launch of India's first indigenously developed hydrogen fuel cell-powered train. Inaugurated on 17 July 2026, the project marks the country's entry into hydrogen-based rail operations, a technology being explored worldwide as an alternative to conventional fossil fuel-powered traction.
The train, which generates electricity onboard using hydrogen through a fuel cell propulsion system, is scheduled to begin operations on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway. The pilot project is expected to provide first-hand operational experience with hydrogen-powered rail technology under Indian conditions while showcasing the potential of cleaner mobility for the country's railway network.
The initiative brings together advanced propulsion technology with dedicated hydrogen storage, refuelling and operational infrastructure. Beyond testing the technology, the project is intended to demonstrate the feasibility of clean rail transportation in India and reinforce Indian Railways' focus on innovation, energy efficiency and environmentally responsible transport.
With the launch, India joins a select group of countries, including Germany, Japan, China and the United States, that are exploring hydrogen-powered rail transportation. As the technology is still at a nascent stage globally, the experience gained from the pilot project is expected to help shape future applications of hydrogen-powered mobility in the railway sector.
The project has been developed in line with the design approval and technical specifications prepared by the Research, Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO). Conceived, designed and developed entirely in India, it also reflects the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, with indigenous capabilities demonstrated from the design stage through prototype manufacturing.
Key features
The hydrogen-powered train consists of a 10-car fuel cell-based trainset driven by a 1,200 kW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system. It has been approved to operate at a maximum speed of 75 kmph, while its design speed is 110 kmph. The train has the capacity to carry around 2,600 passengers.
The project has been developed from the design stage through prototype manufacturing, highlighting India's indigenous capabilities in advanced railway technology.
The service will run between Jind Junction and Sonipat, connecting Gohana Junction and serving a number of intermediate stations along the route. The proposed halts are Jind City, Pandu Pindara Junction, Lalit Khera Halt, Bhambhewa, Isapur Kheri Halt, Butane Halt, Khandrai Halt, Rabrah Halt, Lath Halt, Mohana, Barwasni Halt and Sonipat New.
Did India's first indigenous hydrogen train really run on water, as claimed in viral videos?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered train, which will run between Jind and Sonipat.
This news broadcast covers the launch of India's first hydrogen-powered passenger train operating between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a blistering attack on AAP-led Punjab government, calling the party 'kattar beiman'.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath rode Japan's high-speed linear Maglev train in Yamanashi on the last day of his Japan visit. The Maglev train operates at 500 kilometres per hour and can reach speeds of up to 600 kilometres per hour, powered by a hydrogen energy plant.
