India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train Ready for Inauguration by PM Modi on 17 July

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate India’s first hydrogen-powered train at Jind Railway Station in Haryana on 17 July. The train has already completed more than two months of successful trial runs. Commercial operations are expected to begin soon after the inauguration.

The train will run on the Jind to Sonipat route and will make two round trips every day, covering around 356 km daily. It has 682 seats and can carry around 2,600 passengers.

The train has two driving power cars and eight passenger coaches. Each power car generates 1,200 kW of power, giving the train a combined output of 2,400 kW, or around 3,200 horsepower.

It uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity. Unlike diesel trains, the only emission from the train is water vapour, making it a much cleaner mode of transport.

The train can store 440 kg of compressed hydrogen and is expected to consume around 300 kg of hydrogen per day. It has successfully passed international safety tests conducted by TÜV SÜD.

The train has been designed to reach a maximum speed of 110 km/h. However, it will operate at 75 km/h on the Jind to Sonipat route. During the trial runs, it was tested at speeds ranging from 75 km/h to 120 km/h.

The train will operate only on the Jind to Sonipat section. Maintenance will be carried out at the Shakurbasti Railway Depot in Delhi. Before being taken to the depot, the hydrogen system will be switched off, and a diesel locomotive will tow the train for maintenance.

This is India’s first hydrogen-powered train and marks a major step towards cleaner and greener railway transport. The project is expected to reduce pollution and carbon emissions while highlighting India’s growing focus on clean energy and sustainable infrastructure.