India Launches First Indigenous Hydrogen-Powered Passenger Train, Advancing Green Rail Transport

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India Launches First Indigenous Hydrogen-Powered Passenger Train, Advancing Green Rail Transport

India Launches First Indigenous Hydrogen-Powered Passenger Train, Advancing Green Rail Transport

Ecosphere News Service 2026-07-17 20:23:00

New Delhi, July 17 - India has taken a major step towards sustainable transportation with the launch of its first indigenous hydrogen-powered passenger train. Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially flagged off the historic service on 17 July 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country's transition to cleaner and more environmentally friendly railway operations.
The train will operate on the 89-kilometre Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana under Northern Railway. Developed and manufactured domestically at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, the project reflects India's growing capabilities in indigenous rail technology and supports the country's broader clean energy and "Make in India" initiatives.
Powered by a 1,200 kW hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion system, the train generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water vapour as a by-product. This zero-emission technology eliminates direct greenhouse gas emissions during operation, offering a cleaner alternative to conventional diesel-powered trains and contributing to efforts to decarbonize rail transport.
The 10-coach train has a passenger capacity of approximately 2,600 people and operates at a service speed of 75 km/h, with a design speed of 110 km/h. Featuring two hydrogen-powered driving cars with a combined output of around 3,200 horsepower, it ranks among the world's most powerful and longest hydrogen-powered passenger trainsets.
The launch places India among a select group of countries operating hydrogen-powered rail services and demonstrates the growing role of hydrogen as a clean energy solution in public transportation. As countries worldwide seek to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower transport-related emissions, hydrogen-powered rail technology is increasingly being viewed as a promising pathway for sustainable mobility.
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