India’s First Hydrogen Train to Run with Zero Carbon Emissions, Says Loco Pilot as PM Modi Flags Off Historic Service

New Delhi, July 2027 : India took a significant leap towards sustainable transportation on Friday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the country’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train from Jind in Haryana. The pioneering initiative places India among a select group of nations exploring hydrogen fuel technology for rail transport while reinforcing the government’s commitment to clean energy and carbon-neutral mobility.

The hydrogen-powered train will operate on the Jind-Sonipat route and is expected to serve as a pilot project for the wider adoption of hydrogen-based rail systems across the country.

Describing the experience of operating the train, loco pilot Chandrakant Kumar said the new technology represents a major advancement over conventional diesel and electric trains because it runs on hydrogen fuel and produces virtually no pollution.

“It’s a remarkable development. The biggest feature of this train is that it operates on hydrogen and does not emit carbon, making it completely environment-friendly. Unlike diesel-powered trains, this train generates clean energy and emits only water vapour, making it an important step towards greener transportation,” Kumar said while speaking after the inauguration.

He explained that hydrogen, the fuel powering the train, is extracted from water and converted into electricity through advanced fuel-cell technology, enabling the train to run without harmful emissions.

To prepare for the operation of the country’s first hydrogen-powered train, Kumar and other railway personnel underwent specialised technical training in Chennai.

“We received four days of dedicated training in Chennai to understand the technology and operational procedures before taking charge of the train,” he said.

Highlighting the train’s advanced safety mechanisms, Kumar noted that the hydrogen-powered system has been equipped with multiple automatic safety features designed to detect and respond to emergencies.

“The safety standards are extremely high. Whether it is smoke detection, gas leakage or fire, the system responds automatically. The controls are very comfortable for the loco pilot, and almost all major safety systems operate automatically, ensuring secure operations,” he explained.

Speaking about the train’s performance, Kumar said the train is capable of achieving a maximum speed of 110 kmph, although it will initially operate at 75 kmph on the Jind-Sonipat section due to the existing speed restrictions on that route.

The launch marks India’s entry into a small group of countries—including Germany, Japan, China and the United States—that have introduced or are testing hydrogen-powered railway technology. Although hydrogen trains are still at an early stage of global deployment, they are widely regarded as one of the most promising alternatives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in rail transport.

Indian Railways has also established an indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility at Jind, with the required approvals from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) for the storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas.

The hydrogen train project reflects Indian Railways’ growing focus on technological innovation, energy efficiency and sustainable mobility. It also aligns with India’s broader clean energy strategy and long-term commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions while modernising one of the world’s largest railway networks.

Team Maverick.