Narendra Modi to Inaugurate India's First Hydrogen-Powered Train

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate India's first hydrogen-powered train on July 17, 2026, at the Jind railway station in Haryana. The train will operate as a pilot on the 89-kilometer route between Jind and Sonipat under the Northern Railway's Delhi Division, performing two round trips daily with 12 intermediate stops.

Developed by the Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory, the 10-coach trainset was created by replacing diesel engines on old diesel electric multiple unit rakes with a zero-emission system. The train utilizes a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell and a battery bank, with fuel cells imported from Ballard and propulsion equipment supplied by Medha. This 136-crore project results in a train that emits only water vapor, featuring a passenger capacity of 2,600 across 682 seats. While designed for speeds up to 110 kmph, it will maintain an operational speed of 75 kmph on this route.

To support the operation, an indigenous hydrogen storage and refueling facility with a 3,000-kg capacity and chiller plant has been established at Jind. The system's safety and design were validated by TÜV SÜD. Maintenance will be conducted at the Shakurbasti depot in Delhi, though the train requires a diesel locomotive for transport to the facility once its power system is deactivated. The Railway Board approved the project in May 2026 following trials by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation.