PM Modi flags off India's first hydrogen-powered train from Jind

India on Friday entered a select group of countries operating hydrogen-powered trains as Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the nation's first hydrogen fuel cell-powered passenger train on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana, marking a significant step towards cleaner and more sustainable rail transportation.

VIDEO | Jind: Prime Minister Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) flags off India's first hydrogen train between Jind and Sonipat at Jind Railway Station.

(Source: Third Party)

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/oys09N53UX

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 17, 2026

According to agency reports,the launch was met with celebrations at Jind railway station, where the train was decorated with flowers and balloons ahead of the inauguration. Residents gathered in large numbers and described the occasion as a "historic milestone" for Haryana, expressing hope that the new service would improve connectivity, reduce travel time and support the region's development.
"We are extremely happy. A train service will now operate from our area, which will save time and reduce the difficulties faced by the public," a local resident said.Another resident called the launch a moment of pride for Jind."For the first time, a hydrogen train is running in our Jind. This will be written in history. There is a festive atmosphere here, and it is a matter of great happiness," he said.A third resident said the train would benefit commuters and contribute to the district's progress while suggesting that the route be extended to Panipat in the future.Along with flagging off the hydrogen train, the Prime Minister is also set to lay the foundation stone and dedicate multiple development projects worth around Rs 14,700 crore in Haryana during an event at Eklavya Stadium in Jind.
The hydrogen-powered train, designed, engineered and integrated in India using indigenous technology, reflects Indian Railways' push towards innovation, energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable mobility. With its launch, India joins countries including Germany, Japan, China and the United States that have operational hydrogen-powered trains.
The 10-coach train has a passenger capacity of nearly 2,600, making it one of the highest-capacity hydrogen-powered trainsets globally. Powered by a 3,200-horsepower propulsion system, the train uses hydrogen fuel cell technology that generates electricity onboard, producing only water vapour as a by-product and resulting in zero carbon emissions during operation.Unlike conventional electric trains, the hydrogen train does not require continuous overhead electrification, as electricity is generated through onboard fuel cells. It is also equipped with multi-layer safety systems capable of detecting hydrogen leaks, heat, flames and smoke.
The Jind-Sonipat section has been selected as the pilot route for hydrogen train operations. To support the project, Indian Railways has established an indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility at Jind, which has received the necessary licence from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) for the storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "Hydrogen is considered a new fuel in India, just as it is in the rest of the world, and several initiatives have been taken to promote it. The Railways has developed a complete 2,400 kW hydrogen propulsion system for the transportation sector, which has been fitted in this train. This technology is completely indigenous and reflects the vision of an 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. It is a significant step towards green energy. This is part of the railway modernisation work carried out over the last 12 years under the leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister. Today, it is a matter of pride that the Prime Minister will flag off India's first hydrogen train from Jind."

Jind, Haryana: On PM Narendra Modi to flag off India's first hydrogen-powered passenger train, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says, "Hydrogen is considered a new fuel in India, just as it is in the rest of the world, and several initiatives have been taken to promote… pic.twitter.com/5wbbmfFMsD

— IANS (@ians_india) July 17, 2026

The project aligns with India's broader clean energy goals and its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions while showcasing the country's growing capabilities in advanced railway engineering and sustainable transport technologies.