India has launched its first indigenously built hydrogen-powered passenger train, marking a major step in the country’s effort to modernise its rail network and cut transport emissions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the NaMo Green Rail service at Jind Junction in Haryana on 17 July. Officials said the pilot project is designed to test hydrogen propulsion on routes that are not yet fully electrified.
The train set has 2 hydrogen-powered driving cars and 8 passenger coaches, a top speed of around 75 km/h and capacity for about 2,600 passengers. It is part of India’s wider National Hydrogen Mission and its goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
The new service brings together train operations and new fuel infrastructure. The project includes dedicated hydrogen production, storage and refuelling facilities, allowing engineers to assess safety, efficiency and performance under real-world conditions.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The process produces only water vapour and heat as by-products, which officials say makes it a lower-emission alternative to diesel-powered trains still used on parts of India’s rail network.
The launch reflects New Delhi’s push to position India as a global centre for green hydrogen production and use. It also highlights efforts to reduce the environmental impact of one of the world’s largest railway systems.
The pilot service is expected to help railway planners judge whether hydrogen trains can work at scale on short- and medium-distance routes. If successful, the model could support future expansion on lines where electrification remains incomplete.
India’s rail network carries millions of passengers each day and is central to domestic travel and freight movement. Reducing emissions from the system has become a key part of the country’s climate strategy, particularly as it balances rising demand with pressure to move away from fossil fuels.
Hydrogen rail projects are still rare globally, with operators and governments testing the technology in selected markets. India now joins a small group of countries experimenting with passenger trains powered by hydrogen fuel cells rather than diesel or overhead electricity.
The government has framed the launch as both an environmental and industrial milestone. By building the train domestically, officials aim to demonstrate technical capability while strengthening the country’s clean-energy manufacturing base.
Further trials are likely to determine how the service performs in daily use, including refuelling logistics, maintenance needs and operating costs. Those results will help decide whether hydrogen trains can become a practical option for more routes across India.
