India will launch its first indigenous hydrogen-powered train on 17 July 2026, with PM Modi expected to flag it off from Jind, Haryana, on the Jind-So…
1/6History On Track | Indian Railways will launch the country’s first indigenous hydrogen-powered train on 17 July 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to flag off the service from Jind railway station in Haryana. A senior railway official told PTI the PMO had confirmed Modi would flag off the train from Jind on July 17. The train generates its own electricity onboard and will run on the Jind-Sonipat route. With this, India joins Germany, Japan, China and the US in operating hydrogen trains.
2/6By The Numbers | The train is a 10-car set powered by a 1200 kW hydrogen fuel cell system. It is approved to run at 75 kmph, with a design speed of 110 kmph, and can carry around 2,600 passengers. It will connect Jind Junction, Gohana Junction and Sonipat, with stops at Jind City, Pandu Pindara, Lalit Khera, Bhambhewa, Isapur Kheri, Butane, Khandrai, Rabrah, Lath, Mohana, Barwasni and Sonipat New.
3/6Under The Hood | The train’s main power source is a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell. It generates electricity by reacting hydrogen with oxygen across a Perfluorosulfonic Acid membrane, releasing only water vapour and heat. Hydrogen holds 120 MJ/kg of energy, compared to 43 MJ/kg for diesel. This makes it a low-maintenance, cleaner alternative to diesel-based propulsion.
4/6Fuelling Up | Indian Railways has set up the country’s largest hydrogen storage and refuelling facility at Jind, Haryana, holding nearly 3,000 kg of hydrogen. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation has licensed the site, which follows NFPA-2 and ISO 19880 standards and was assessed by Germany’s TÜV SÜD. It has a hydrogen compression system, spares and a standby compressor for refuelling. The train has two power cars and eight coaches, each carrying fuel cells, batteries and hydrogen cylinders.
5/6Safety Net | Indian Railways has set up safety systems, standard operating procedures and regular audits, alongside inspection schedules. The Shakurbasti facility in Delhi will handle maintenance, and trained staff will accompany the train initially. The refuelling system runs under 24×7 monitoring, with leak and flame detectors, regular sensor checks and constant ventilation. Any heat, flame or smoke automatically cuts hydrogen supply, and the pilot’s cabin has an emergency mode plus a live health screen.
6/6Road Ahead | The hydrogen train is more than a new train set; it builds the systems, infrastructure and skills needed for future hydrogen rail projects. It will help validate technology, operating procedures and maintenance practices, strengthening India’s hydrogen-mobility capabilities. The project supports the National Green Hydrogen Mission and India’s net-zero goals, laying the groundwork for wider adoption and a more resilient transport system.
