🚆 NaMo GREEN RAIL
A GREEN REVOLUTION ON INDIAN RAILWAYS
Imagine boarding a train that does not produce diesel smoke and generates its own electricity using hydrogen. This futuristic idea has become a reality in India.
On 17 July 2026, India took a major step towards cleaner transportation when its first indigenous hydrogen-powered passenger train was flagged off between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana. The train is an important achievement for Indian Railways and India's efforts towards greener mobility.
🇮🇳 A TRAIN MADE IN INDIA
The hydrogen train has been designed, engineered and developed in India, reflecting the country's growing capabilities in advanced railway technology and the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
It is a 10-coach train, consisting of two Hydrogen Driving Power Cars and eight passenger coaches. It can accommodate around 2,600 passengers.
The train has a maximum approved operating speed of 75 km/h, while its design speed is 110 km/h. It operates on the approximately 89-km Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway.
💧 HOW DOES A HYDROGEN TRAIN WORK?
A hydrogen train works very differently from a traditional diesel locomotive.
Instead of burning diesel, it uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity.
Here is the process in simple steps:
Hydrogen + Oxygen → Electricity + Water Vapour + Heat
Hydrogen is stored in special tanks on the train.
Hydrogen enters the fuel cells.
Oxygen is taken from the surrounding air.
A chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen produces electricity.
The electricity powers the train's electric motors.
The main direct by-products are water vapour and heat.
So, there is no diesel exhaust or direct carbon emission at the train's point of use.
🌱 WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
One of the biggest advantages of hydrogen-powered trains is their potential to reduce pollution from railway transportation.
India has already made tremendous progress in railway electrification. Hydrogen technology provides another option, particularly for routes where conventional electrification may not be practical.
The Jind–Sonipat train is also a pilot project. Its operation will give Indian Railways valuable experience in hydrogen storage, refuelling, safety and everyday train operations.
⚡ WHERE DOES THE HYDROGEN COME FROM?
A special hydrogen refuelling facility has been established at Jind.
At the facility, hydrogen can be produced through electrolysis, in which electricity is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is then stored, compressed and supplied to the train.
The facility can store nearly 3,000 kg of hydrogen and has been developed as part of India's first integrated hydrogen railway ecosystem.
🔋 POWERFUL TECHNOLOGY
The train has two hydrogen driving power cars, each with a 1,200-kW power system, giving a combined power output of 2,400 kW.
It also uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries along with fuel cells and hydrogen storage systems to support its operation.
According to the Ministry of Railways, the 10-coach train is currently described as the world's longest and most powerful hydrogen train-set on a broad-gauge platform.
🛡️ IS HYDROGEN SAFE?
Hydrogen is highly flammable, so safety is extremely important.
The train and its refuelling system have several safety features, including systems that can detect hydrogen leaks, heat, flames and smoke. Automatic shut-off systems and continuous ventilation provide additional protection.
🌍 BENEFITS OF HYDROGEN TRAINS
🌱 1. Cleaner transportation
Fuel-cell trains produce water vapour and heat as direct by-products rather than diesel exhaust.
💨 2. Less air pollution
They eliminate the smoke and direct tailpipe emissions associated with diesel-powered trains.
🔋 3. Energy innovation
Hydrogen provides another way of powering trains without relying on diesel fuel.
🚆 4. Useful for non-electrified routes
Hydrogen trains could be especially useful on railway routes where installing overhead electric infrastructure is difficult or expensive.
🇮🇳 5. Encourages Indian technology
The project demonstrates India's ability to design and develop advanced clean-transport technology domestically.
⚠️ WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES?
Hydrogen trains are promising, but the technology also faces challenges.
Producing green hydrogen requires electricity, and producing, storing, compressing and transporting hydrogen requires specialised infrastructure. Building hydrogen refuelling stations can also be expensive.
Therefore, hydrogen trains are not expected to replace all electric trains. Instead, they may become particularly useful on selected routes where they offer practical advantages.
🚆 WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?
The Jind–Sonipat project is only the beginning. Indian Railways is exploring the possibility of using hydrogen technology on other routes, including heritage railway routes such as the Kalka–Shimla line, based on the experience gained from this project.
The launch of the hydrogen train shows how railway technology has evolved:
Steam → Diesel → Electric → Hydrogen
Each stage represents an attempt to make railway travel more efficient and suitable for the needs of its time.
🌟 DID YOU KNOW?
🇮🇳 India's first indigenous hydrogen-powered passenger train was flagged off on 17 July 2026.
🚆 It runs on the Jind–Sonipat section in Haryana.
📏 The route is approximately 89 km long.
🚃 The train has 10 coaches.
👨👩👧👦 It can accommodate around 2,600 passengers.
⚡ It has a combined power output of 2,400 kW.
💧 Water vapour is the main direct by-product of the fuel-cell process.
🏭 A dedicated hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has been established at Jind.
🌍 Indian Railways describes it as the world's longest and most powerful hydrogen train-set on a broad-gauge platform.
⛽ In its initial operation, the train had travelled more than 1,200 km and saved over 3,200 litres of diesel, according to the Ministry of Railways.
🌿 A GLIMPSE OF THE FUTURE
India's first hydrogen-powered passenger train is much more than a new railway service. It represents a meeting point of science, engineering, clean energy and environmental responsibility.
As India looks towards a cleaner and more sustainable future, trains powered by hydrogen could become an important part of the country's green transportation journey.
**The train may run on hydrogen, but it carries a much bigger message — the journey towards a greener India has begun. 🇮🇳🌱🚆**
