PM Modi Flags Off World's Longest Hydrogen Train In Haryana's Jind
The launch of the hydrogen-powered train marks a major advancement in India’s efforts to adopt cleaner energy solutions in the transport sector.
Published : July 17, 2026 at 10:44 AM IST
|Updated : July 17, 2026 at 11:42 AM IST
Jind: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered train between Jind and Sonipat at Jind railway station in Haryana. With this, India has joined a select group of countries that have operational hydrogen-powered trains, marking an important step towards the adoption of clean and sustainable mobility in the railway sector. The train is considered to be the world's longest hydrogen-powered train.
The 89-km distance between Jind and Sonipat will be covered in two hours, with the train halting at 12 intermediate stations. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini were among those present at the Jind railway station for the flagging-off ceremony.
The prime minister waved as the train, which also had many school children on board, chugged off from the Jind railway station. Earlier in the day, PM Modi said that India is set to achieve a major milestone in sustainable transportation with the launch of the country’s first hydrogen-powered train, calling it a significant step towards a self-reliant India and sustainable development.
आज भारत को पहली हाइड्रोजन ट्रेन मिलने का सपना साकार होने जा रहा है। यह आत्मनिर्भर भारत और सतत विकास की दिशा में एक बहुत बड़ा दिन है। मैं इससे जुड़े सभी लोगों को बहुत बधाई देता हूं।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 17, 2026
प्रभूतं कार्यमल्पं वा यन्नरः कर्तुमिच्छति।
सर्वारम्भेण तत् कार्यं सिंहादेकं प्रचक्षते।। pic.twitter.com/aAbVNt9GCb
Sharing his message on X, Prime Minister Modi said, “Today, the dream of India receiving its first hydrogen train is about to come true. This is a very significant day in the direction of self-reliant India and sustainable development. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone associated with this.”
The Prime Minister also shared a Sanskrit quote, highlighting the importance of dedication and determination while pursuing major goals. He wrote that “Whether a task is great or small, whatever a person wishes to accomplish should be carried out with complete dedication and renewed enthusiasm; this is the one quality that ought to be learned from a lion."
Ashwini Vaishnaw described the launch as a landmark achievement for Indian engineering, highlighting that the entire propulsion system and technology had been developed indigenously. Emphasising the importance of developing hydrogen technology within India, the Railway Minister said, "Hydrogen is a new energy, a new fuel. How to use this fuel in transportation, how to develop that technology in India, and how to make it an indigenous technology under 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' is very important. This is a major milestone for the Railways today, as the entire technology was developed in India and the IP rights are with India."
Explaining the technology, Vaishnaw said hydrogen produced from water through an electrolyser plant is converted into electricity through a fuel cell, which is then used to power the train's motors. "Hydrogen is made from water; an electrolyser plant is installed nearby. Hydrogen is produced from water and then converted back into electricity through this fuel cell. This electricity is then used to drive the motors. The entire propulsion system, from hydrogen production to its actual use in the motor, all IP rights are with India today," he said.
According to the Railways Ministry, the indigenously developed Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trainset generates electricity onboard using hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapour and heat as by-products, resulting in near-zero emissions at the point of use. "A very comprehensive safety assessment was conducted over a long period. An independent safety assessment was done by TÜV SÜD, one of the world's most reputable safety assessment agencies. In every way, the train is secure," he said.
The launch of the hydrogen-powered train marks a major advancement in India’s efforts to adopt cleaner energy solutions in the transport sector. The project reflects the country’s focus on technological innovation, self-reliance and environmentally sustainable infrastructure.
The hydrogen train, which will operate between Jind and Sonipat, is considered a major achievement for Indian Railways as it reflects the national transporter’s commitment to innovation, energy efficiency and sustainable mobility. The initiative also supports India’s clean energy ambitions and its long-term goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
The introduction of the hydrogen-powered train places India among a limited group of countries, including Germany, Japan, China and the United States, that are exploring hydrogen-based rail transportation. Since the technology is still in a developing stage, only a small number of nations are currently operating or testing hydrogen-powered rail systems, according to an official statement.
The Jind-Sonipat route has been selected for the pilot operation of the hydrogen train, with the project expected to demonstrate the potential of hydrogen as an alternative clean fuel for future railway networks.
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