India on Friday launched the first hydrogen-powered train on its national railway network, marking a significant step in the country's efforts to modernize its transportation system while reducing carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the train during a ceremony at Jind railway station in the northern state of Haryana, describing the launch as "a very important day for India's self-reliance and sustainable development."
The train is powered by a 1,200-kilowatt hydrogen fuel-cell battery propulsion system and will initially operate on an 89-kilometer route between Jind and Sonipat, serving as a pilot project for the wider adoption of hydrogen technology across India's vast rail network.
India's Ministry of Railways said the train was developed domestically under the country's manufacturing initiative, although several key components, including hydrogen fuel-cell batteries, were sourced from overseas suppliers.
To support operations, authorities have constructed a hydrogen refueling facility in Jind equipped with storage capacity of approximately three metric tons, ensuring a stable fuel supply for the new service.
The project is estimated to have cost around $12 million, according to a senior railway official, making it substantially more expensive than conventional diesel-powered or electric trains. Officials, however, view the investment as an important demonstration of next-generation clean transportation technology.
The hydrogen train forms part of India's broader effort to transform one of the world's largest railway systems, much of which dates back to the British colonial era.
The government has invested heavily in upgrading rail infrastructure, expanding electrification, and introducing advanced technologies as it seeks to improve efficiency while lowering emissions. India is also expected to launch its long-delayed high-speed rail service in 2027.
Hydrogen-powered trains emit only water vapor during operation, making them an attractive alternative for rail routes where full electrification may not be practical.
The launch supports India's long-term climate strategy as the country works toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
Despite rapid growth in renewable energy, India remains the world's third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, behind China and the United States, with roughly three-quarters of its electricity still generated from coal-fired power plants.
Recent geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East have also underscored India's heavy dependence on imported oil and natural gas, reinforcing the government's push to diversify energy sources and strengthen energy security.
Home to approximately 1.5 billion people, India operates one of the world's largest railway systems, spanning around 85,000 kilometers of track.
The network carried 7.45 billion passengers and transported 1.67 billion metric tons of freight over the past year, making rail transport a critical component of the country's economy and a key focus of its sustainability agenda.
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