PM flags off India’s first hydrogen-powered train from Jind

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first indigenously developed hydrogen-powered passenger train from Jind on Friday, marking a milestone in the country’s mobility landscape. The train, which will run between Jind and Sonepat in Haryana, represents the first domestically built hydrogen fuel‑cell rail service in India.

Hydrogen-powered trains generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water vapour, and therefore offer a cleaner alternative to diesel locomotives that dominate much of the Indian rail network. The development is being watched as part of a broader push to reduce carbon emissions from transport and to explore sustainable energy solutions for public transit.

The prime minister described the launch as a major leap towards green mobility and a proud symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, emphasizing that the project showcases India’s capacity to design and manufacture advanced technology within the country. By commissioning the train, Modi highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering domestic innovation and reducing reliance on imported fossil‑fuel based transport solutions.

The Jind‑Sonepat corridor, a short but busy route in the state’s industrial belt, will serve as a test bed for the technology. If successful, the hydrogen train could pave the way for larger scale deployments across other regions, helping the nation move closer to its climate goals while also creating new opportunities for local manufacturing and employment.

The launch underscores the growing focus on green mobility in Indian policy circles, where officials are looking to balance rapid infrastructure growth with environmental responsibility. As the country seeks to modernise its transport system, hydrogen rail could complement electrification efforts and provide a viable option for routes where electrification is challenging.

Source: Hindustan Times