India's First Hydrogen-Powered Train
India launched its first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell-powered passenger train on 17 July 2026 on the Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway in Haryana, joining a small group of countries worldwide developing or operating hydrogen-powered railways. Germany was the first country to introduce hydrogen passenger trains into commercial service, while countries including China, Japan, the United States, France and Italy have operated, tested or developed hydrogen rail systems. India's entry is particularly notable for the scale of its indigenous trainset: the 10-coach broad-gauge train has two 1,200 kW Driving Power Cars delivering a combined 2,400 kW, making it the world's longest and most powerful hydrogen trainset on a broad-gauge platform at the time of launch. Designed, engineered and integrated in India, the project also established an indigenous hydrogen rail ecosystem covering hydrogen production, storage, compression, dispensing and refuelling infrastructure at Jind.
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Timeline
1 January 2022
Indian Railways begins hydrogen train programme
Indian Railways began developing a hydrogen fuel cell-powered train as a pilot project to demonstrate hydrogen propulsion technology for passenger rail operations in India.
1 February 2023
Hydrogen for Heritage programme announced
Indian Railways announced plans to introduce hydrogen-powered trains as part of its broader effort to explore clean propulsion technologies and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
1 January 2023
Jind–Sonipat selected for hydrogen train pilot
The Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway in Haryana was selected for India's first hydrogen-powered train pilot, providing a route on which the new propulsion technology could be demonstrated under operational conditions.
1 January 2024
Indigenous hydrogen train development progresses
Indian Railways continued design, engineering and prototype development of the hydrogen train in accordance with technical specifications and design requirements prepared by the Research Design and Standards Organisation.
1 January 2025
Hydrogen production and refuelling infrastructure developed at Jind
A dedicated hydrogen facility was developed at Jind to support the train, including hydrogen production through electrolysis as well as storage, compression and dispensing infrastructure.
10 December 2025
Manufacturing of India's first hydrogen train completed
Indian Railways announced completion of manufacturing of India's first hydrogen-powered trainset. The completed broad-gauge train consisted of two 1,200 kW Driving Power Cars and eight passenger coaches, providing a combined power output of 2,400 kW.
10 December 2025
Train recognised as world's longest and most powerful broad-gauge hydrogen trainset
Indian Railways reported that the 10-coach train was the world's longest and most powerful hydrogen trainset on a broad-gauge platform, with a combined power output of 2,400 kW.
27 May 2026
Indian Railways approves train for Jind–Sonipat operation
Indian Railways approved the 10-car hydrogen fuel cell trainset for operation on the Jind–Sonipat section. The train was approved for an operating speed of up to 75 km/h.
27 May 2026
India prepares to join hydrogen rail nations
With the indigenous train ready for service, India prepared to join a small group of countries developing and operating hydrogen fuel cell technology for railway transportation.
16 July 2026
Technical specifications of hydrogen train detailed
Indian Railways detailed the train's indigenous design, hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion, lithium iron phosphate battery systems and onboard hydrogen storage. The train was designed for speeds up to 110 km/h and approved initially for operation at up to 75 km/h.
16 July 2026
Passenger capacity confirmed at approximately 2,600
The 10-coach hydrogen train was designed to accommodate approximately 2,600 passengers while operating between Jind and Sonipat and serving intermediate stations along the route.
17 July 2026
India's first hydrogen-powered train launched
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first indigenous hydrogen-powered train at Jind railway station for operation between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana.
17 July 2026
India joins select group of hydrogen rail nations
The launch placed India among a select group of countries operating or developing hydrogen-powered railway technology, alongside countries including Germany, Japan, China and the United States.
17 July 2026
Indigenous hydrogen rail ecosystem enters operation
The project demonstrated more than the train itself, combining an indigenously developed trainset with hydrogen production, storage, refuelling and operational infrastructure to establish an integrated hydrogen railway ecosystem.
17 July 2026
Zero tailpipe carbon-emission rail propulsion demonstrated
The train's fuel cells generate electricity onboard through a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Water vapour is produced as the direct operational by-product, eliminating diesel exhaust and direct tailpipe carbon emissions during hydrogen-powered operation.
25 July 2026
Hydrogen train crosses 1,200 kilometres
Within days of launch, Indian Railways reported that the hydrogen train had travelled more than 1,200 kilometres on the Jind–Sonipat section without major operational interruption.
25 July 2026
More than 3,200 litres of diesel consumption avoided
Indian Railways reported that after travelling more than 1,200 kilometres, operation of the hydrogen train had avoided consumption of more than 3,200 litres of diesel.
25 July 2026
Delhi-route trials planned
Following successful operation on the Jind–Sonipat section, Indian Railways announced that trials of the hydrogen train on a Delhi route would begin subsequently.