India has officially launched its first domestically built hydrogen-powered train, marking a major step in the country's transition toward cleaner and more sustainable railway transportation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the "NaMo Green Rail" on Friday at Jind railway station in the northern state of Haryana, describing the launch as an important milestone for both sustainable development and India's self-reliance in advanced technology.
The new train consists of two hydrogen-powered driving cars and eight passenger coaches, with a capacity of approximately 2,600 passengers. Railway officials said it can operate at speeds of up to 75 km/h (47 mph) and will initially serve routes within Haryana as part of a pilot project.
The initiative also includes dedicated hydrogen storage and refueling infrastructure, allowing Indian Railways to evaluate the technology's performance and potential for wider deployment across the country's extensive rail network.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology generates electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen, producing water vapor as its only direct emission, making it a cleaner alternative to diesel-powered trains on non-electrified routes.
Speaking after the inauguration, Modi said the project represents "a very significant day in the direction of self-reliant India and sustainable development."
India joins a growing number of countries investing in hydrogen-powered rail transport as part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and modernize public transportation.
The launch aligns with India's broader Green Hydrogen Mission and its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, with Indian Railways continuing to explore hydrogen technology as a sustainable replacement for diesel locomotives on selected routes.
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