Jind (Haryana): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered train from Jind railway station in Haryana, marking a major milestone in the country’s push towards green and sustainable transportation.
With the launch, India joins a select group of countries, including Germany, Japan, China and the United States, that are developing or operating hydrogen-powered trains.
PM Modi hails historic milestone
Addressing a gathering after the flag-off ceremony, the Prime Minister said Jind would now be remembered as the birthplace of India’s hydrogen train journey.
“Whenever Indian Railways is spoken of, the Bombay (now Mumbai) to Thane is spoken of. Now whenever hydrogen trains are spoken of, Jind will be remembered,” Modi said.
The project is part of Indian Railways’ broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and adopt cleaner energy technologies.
Route, timings and stoppages
The pilot hydrogen train will operate on the Jind–Sonipat route under the Northern Railway zone.
- Train No. 74010: Departs Jind at 7.40 am, reaches Sonipat at 9.40 am
- Train No. 74009: Departs Sonipat at 10.40 am, arrives Jind at 1.00 pm
The train stops at Jind City, Pandu Pindara, Lalit Khera, Bhambeva, Ishapur Kheri, Butana, Khandrai, Gohana, Rabhra, Lath, Mohana Haryana and Barwasni.
World’s longest hydrogen passenger train
Indian Railways said the 10-coach train is the longest hydrogen-powered passenger train in the world. Most hydrogen trains currently operating or under trial globally have only two or three coaches.
Key features include:
- 10 passenger coaches
- Capacity: Around 2,600 passengers
- Design speed: 110 kmph
- Operational speed: Up to 75 kmph on the Jind–Sonipat route
- 3,200 horsepower propulsion system
How the hydrogen train works
Unlike conventional electric trains that draw power from overhead wires, the hydrogen train generates electricity onboard using Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology.
Hydrogen stored in onboard cylinders reacts with oxygen from the air to generate electricity, which powers the train’s traction motors. The process emits only water vapour and heat, making it a zero tailpipe-emission transport system.
The train consists of two hydrogen-powered driving cars equipped with fuel cells, lithium iron phosphate batteries and hydrogen storage cylinders, along with eight passenger coaches.
Indigenous technology and refuelling facility
The train has been designed, engineered and integrated entirely in India using indigenous technology.
To support operations, Indian Railways has established a dedicated hydrogen storage and refuelling facility at Jind, equipped with hydrogen compression systems, leak detectors, flame detectors and other safety infrastructure approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
The pilot project is expected to provide valuable operational experience for deploying hydrogen-powered trains on non-electrified and heritage railway routes across the country
