India has taken a major step towards clean transportation with the launch of its first hydrogen-powered train, introducing hydrogen fuel cell technology to the country’s railway network. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the train on Friday, making India one of the few countries—including Germany, Japan, China and the United States—to deploy hydrogen-powered rail transport.
The pilot project will operate on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route under Northern Railway in Haryana. The initiative is expected to demonstrate the feasibility of hydrogen fuel cell technology for rail applications while supporting India’s transition towards low-carbon transportation.
The 10-coach train is powered by a 1,200-kW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system, which generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Unlike diesel-powered locomotives, the system emits only water vapour and heat, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
The project also includes dedicated hydrogen storage and refuelling infrastructure, enabling safe fuel handling and uninterrupted train operations. The supporting infrastructure is considered a crucial component in developing a broader hydrogen mobility ecosystem in India.
Hydrogen-powered trains are increasingly being viewed as an alternative to diesel locomotives, particularly on non-electrified rail routes where overhead electrification may not be economically viable. Fuel cell technology offers long operating ranges, faster refuelling compared to battery-electric trains, and zero tailpipe emissions, making it suitable for regional rail services.
The launch aligns with India’s broader clean energy strategy and the objectives of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to establish the country as a global hub for green hydrogen production, utilisation and exports. The government has identified hydrogen as a key technology to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors, including heavy transportation, steel manufacturing and fertilisers.
For the energy storage industry, the project highlights the growing role of multiple clean energy technologies in the mobility sector. While Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) continue to dominate electric passenger vehicles and grid-scale storage applications, hydrogen fuel cells are emerging as a complementary solution for heavy-duty transport, railways, shipping and long-haul logistics, where higher energy density and longer operating ranges are required.
Industry experts believe hydrogen and batteries will coexist rather than compete. Batteries offer higher efficiency for short-distance applications and energy storage, whereas hydrogen provides advantages in applications requiring continuous operation, rapid refuelling and higher payload capacities.
The Jind-Sonipat pilot project is expected to generate valuable operational data on fuel efficiency, maintenance requirements, infrastructure needs and lifecycle costs. The findings could guide future deployment of hydrogen-powered trains across India’s railway network.
As Indian Railways continues its decarbonisation efforts through electrification, renewable energy integration and alternative fuels, hydrogen technology is expected to play an important role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The success of the pilot project could encourage further investments in hydrogen production, storage systems, fuel cell manufacturing and related supply chains.
With the commissioning of its first hydrogen-powered train, India has expanded its clean mobility portfolio while strengthening the country’s emerging hydrogen economy. The initiative is expected to accelerate innovation across the hydrogen, battery and energy storage sectors, supporting the development of a more sustainable and diversified transportation ecosystem.
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