Jind: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off India’s first indigenously built hydrogen-powered train from Jind junction, marking a historic milestone in the country’s clean mobility journey.
Event Context
Before waving off the train, the Prime Minister, accompanied by Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini, inspected both the trainsets and the newly built integrated hydrogen plant at the Jind station.
Around 200 excited schoolchildren carrying the Tricolour boarded the 10-coach train (Train No. 74010) as it chugged off the platform.
Haryana governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh was also present on the occasion.
Styled in a striking sky-blue and white colour scheme, the broad-gauge train consists of two hydrogen driving power cars and eight trailer coaches. Capable of carrying around 2,600 passengers, it stands as one of the world’s longest hydrogen-powered passenger trains developed so far.
Hydrogen for Heritage
Following the pilot launch, the train will enter regular commercial service under Indian Railways’ ambitious Hydrogen for Heritage initiative.
During regular operations, Train No. 74010 will depart Jind daily at 7:40 am and arrive at Sonepat at 9:40am. The return service, Train No. 74009, will leave Sonepat at 10:40am and reach Jind at 1pm. The train is scheduled to make two round trips daily, covering a total distance of about 356 km.
Initially operating at speeds of up to 75 kmph (with a design capability of 110 kmph), the train will cover the 89-km Jind–Sonepat section in two hours, halting at 12 intermediate stations: Jind City, Pandu Pindara, Lalit Khera, Bhambeva, Ishapur Kheri, Butana, Khandrai, Gohana, Rabhra, Lath, Mohana, and Barwasni.
The success of this pilot will pave the way for a proposed fleet of 35 hydrogen trains earmarked for iconic heritage and scenic hill routes, including the Nilgiris, Darjeeling, and Kangra Valley. This wider rollout is estimated to cost ₹80 crore per train, with an additional ₹70 crore allocated to develop essential ground infrastructure for each designated route.
Indigenous engineering
Named the NaMo Green Rail, the train is propelled by a powerful 3,200 HP (1,200 kW) hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion system. The technology converts hydrogen into electricity on board to drive the train. Hydrogen offers a much higher energy density than diesel, requires significantly less maintenance, and operates with an exceptionally low noise footprint.
The chemical process produces only water vapour and heat as by-products, ensuring zero tailpipe emissions. Unlike conventional electric trains, these fuel-cell trainsets generate electricity entirely onboard, removing the need for expensive and continuous overhead electrification infrastructure. Using green hydrogen mitigates reliance on thermal power plants, accelerating India’s transition away from fossil fuel imports.
Designed, engineered, and integrated domestically under the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, the project highlights the country’s growing mastery over advanced railway engineering. Vaishnaw said since the entire propulsion system and technology are indigenous, India holds all intellectual property (IP) rights and is strategically positioned to export this clean technology globally. With this launch, India joins an exclusive global club—alongside nations like Germany, China, Japan, and the United States—utilising hydrogen tech for rail networks.
Infrastructure and safety
Player Focus
Addressing safety, the ministry of railways said that the project includes layered safety mechanisms: hydrogen leak, flame, heat, and smoke detection systems; automatic hydrogen shut-off valves; continuous ventilation; and emergency response automated features. Developed under the technical guidance of the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), the train and its supporting infrastructure were independently assessed and certified by Germany’s TUV SUD before being cleared for passenger operations, aligning perfectly with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and long-term net-zero goals.
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To support the rollout, Indian Railways has established the country’s first integrated hydrogen railway ecosystem at Jind. The facility features advanced infrastructure for hydrogen production via electrolysis, compression, storage, and fast refuelling, with a storage capacity of nearly 3,000 kg of hydrogen. The setup has been officially cleared by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
