India has placed its first domestically manufactured hydrogen-powered train into service. The two-car hydrogen unit paired with eight passenger coaches will run on routes in Haryana as part of a pilot program designed to test clean-energy alternatives on non-electrified lines. The development marks a concrete step by Indian Railways toward reducing reliance on diesel while supporting the country’s long-term emissions targets.
Design and Performance Details
The train reaches a maximum speed of 75 kilometers per hour and can accommodate up to 2,600 passengers. Its hydrogen fuel cells combine hydrogen with oxygen to generate electricity, releasing only water vapor as a direct byproduct. This configuration allows operation on sections of track that lack overhead electric wires, offering a practical option where full electrification remains years away.
Railway officials have also installed supporting hydrogen storage and refueling facilities at the pilot site. These installations will supply the train during testing and provide data on refueling times, storage safety, and overall operational costs. The project therefore serves both as a technology demonstration and as a source of real-world performance metrics.
Official Launch at Jind Station
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the train, named NaMo Green Rail, at Jind railway station in Haryana. The ceremony highlighted the government’s emphasis on domestic manufacturing and sustainable transport solutions. Modi described the occasion as a significant day for self-reliant India and sustainable development.
The choice of Haryana for the initial service reflects the state’s mix of electrified and non-electrified routes, making it a suitable location for early trials. Local railway staff will monitor the train’s daily performance and report findings to central authorities overseeing the broader hydrogen initiative.
Place Within National Climate Targets
India has committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2070. Indian Railways, one of the largest rail networks in the world, is exploring hydrogen as one option for cutting diesel use on remaining unelectrified corridors. The current pilot forms part of that wider strategy and aligns with separate national programs aimed at scaling up green-hydrogen production.
Stakeholders include railway engineers, state transport departments, and energy suppliers responsible for producing and delivering hydrogen. Their combined input will determine whether the technology can be expanded beyond the initial Haryana route and what infrastructure investments would be required for wider deployment.
Global Context and Next Steps
Several other countries already operate hydrogen trains on regional lines. India’s version differs in its emphasis on complete domestic construction, which officials say supports both technology transfer and job creation in manufacturing. Early results from the Haryana pilot will help assess whether similar units can be produced at scale and integrated into existing timetables.
Further evaluation will focus on fuel costs, maintenance intervals, and passenger comfort under varying load conditions. If the data prove favorable, planners expect additional hydrogen trains to enter service on other non-electrified segments within the coming years.
