India’s first hydrogen-powered train to begin service from Haryana

India is set to launch its first hydrogen-powered train on July 17, marking a major step towards cleaner and greener transportation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the train from Jind railway station in Haryana.

The 10-coach train, numbered 74010, will begin its journey at 9 am. With this launch, India will join countries such as Japan, Germany, the United States and China that already use hydrogen-powered rail technology.

A step towards green transport

The train has been built in India and is part of the government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat programmes. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said the project shows India’s growing ability to develop advanced and environment-friendly technology.

According to officials, the train is one of the world’s longest hydrogen-powered trains. Prime Minister Modi is expected to travel from Jind to Pandu Pindara station on the inaugural journey along with around 200 schoolchildren.

Hydrogen trains produce very low emissions and can help reduce the use of fossil fuels. The project also supports India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.

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Plans for more hydrogen trains

After the launch, the train will start regular operations under the “Hydrogen for Heritage” programme. The initiative aims to introduce hydrogen-powered trains on heritage, hill and other non-electrified railway routes where installing electric lines is difficult or costly.

Railway officials said the success of this first train could lead to similar services on famous routes such as the Nilgiri, Darjeeling and Kangra railways.

The Railways plans to introduce 35 hydrogen-powered trains under the programme. Each train is expected to cost around ₹80 crore, while about ₹70 crore will be spent on developing the required infrastructure for every route.

Officials believe the project will help make railway travel cleaner, reduce pollution and support India’s transition to sustainable transport in the coming years.