India Launches First Hydrogen Train Service

India’s first hydrogen train launched on July 17, 2026, departing from Jind in Haryana and traveling to Sonipat, near Delhi. The train, composed of ten carriages and capable of carrying approximately 2,600 passengers, represents India’s entry into a select group of nations testing hydrogen-powered rail transport. The 89-kilometer route includes twelve stops and a maximum authorized speed of 75 kilometers per hour.

The train utilizes PEM fuel cells that combine hydrogen with oxygen to generate electricity, powering the motors and recharging lithium iron phosphate batteries. India has also constructed a large hydrogen storage and refueling facility in Jind, capable of holding nearly 3,000 kilograms of compressed gas and equipped with comprehensive safety systems.

While the train produces only water vapor as direct emissions during operation, the overall environmental benefit depends on the source of the hydrogen used to fuel it. The project is intended as a pilot program to gather data on costs, maintenance, and reliability, rather than an immediate replacement for diesel locomotives, given that most of India’s rail network is already electrified.