India has officially entered the era of hydrogen-powered rail transport with the launch of its first hydrogen train, marking a major milestone in the country’s push towards cleaner and more sustainable mobility. Flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the train is expected to reduce carbon emissions while showcasing India’s growing capabilities in green transportation technology.
Designed and built in India, the train combines modern engineering with environmentally friendly hydrogen fuel cell technology, placing India among a select group of nations operating hydrogen-powered passenger trains.
Affordable Ticket Prices for Passengers
One of the biggest highlights is that travelling on India’s first hydrogen train will be highly affordable. Ticket prices are expected to range from just ₹5 to ₹25, making the experience accessible to ordinary passengers without any premium pricing.
The low fares ensure that commuters can experience the country’s latest railway innovation while continuing to pay regular passenger train prices.
Route and Operational Details
The hydrogen-powered train operates on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana under the Northern Railway zone. Covering a distance of nearly 90 kilometres, the train has been introduced as a pilot project to demonstrate the viability of hydrogen fuel technology in Indian Railways.
The route has been equipped with dedicated hydrogen infrastructure, including a refuelling facility, to support regular operations and future expansion of the technology.
What Makes the Train Unique
The train is powered by hydrogen fuel cells that generate electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen. Unlike diesel engines, the process produces only water vapour as a by-product, making it a zero-emission mode of transport.
The train features ten coaches with a passenger capacity of around 2,600 people and can operate at a commercial speed of about 75 kmph. It is also being recognised as one of the world’s longest hydrogen-powered passenger trains.
Besides reducing pollution, hydrogen-powered trains are quieter and require lower maintenance compared to conventional diesel-powered trains.
A Step Towards Green Rail Transport
The launch reflects Indian Railways’ broader strategy to adopt cleaner energy technologies and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Hydrogen-powered trains are particularly useful on routes where full electrification may not be practical.
If the pilot project proves successful, Indian Railways could introduce similar trains on additional routes, accelerating India’s transition towards sustainable public transportation.
Summary
India’s first hydrogen-powered train has begun operations on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana with ticket prices ranging from ₹5 to ₹25. Powered by zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells, the train can carry around 2,600 passengers and emits only water vapour, marking a significant step towards cleaner, greener and more sustainable rail transport.
