India launches first hydrogen-powered train built in the country to expand clean energy on railways

Hydrogen train flagged off in Haryana

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered train, built entirely in the country, at an event in Haryana. The locomotive marks a major step in Indian Railways' push to adopt cleaner fuel sources and reduce its carbon footprint.

The train, developed under the 'Make in India' initiative, uses hydrogen fuel cell technology to generate electricity. Unlike conventional diesel engines, it emits only water vapour, making it a zero-emission option for rail transport. Officials said the train will initially run on a designated route in Haryana before being deployed more widely.

Make in India success, says PM

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi described the launch as a testament to the country's engineering capabilities. He called it a 'Make in India success' and said it showed how domestic innovation could drive the nation's energy transition.

Modi also linked the project to his government's broader planning philosophy. He said the idea of a hydrogen-powered train was conceived years ago, much like the approach taken during the 2014 Hormuz crisis, which he claimed did not affect Indian Railways because the government had thought ahead. 'Modi thinks way in advance,' the Prime Minister said, drawing parallels between the two events.

Part of a larger clean energy push

The hydrogen train is one of several projects the government has undertaken to modernise Indian Railways. At the same event, Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation development projects worth Rs 14,700 crore. These include station redevelopment, track doubling, and electrification works across Haryana and neighbouring states.

The Railways has set a target of becoming a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030. Hydrogen-powered trains are expected to play a niche but important role in that transition, especially on routes that are difficult to electrify. Experts, however, caution that the technology remains expensive and its scalability is yet to be proven on a large network like India's.

Challenges ahead

While the launch is a milestone, the road to widespread adoption is long. Hydrogen production in India is still largely dependent on fossil fuels, and green hydrogen — made using renewable energy — is not yet available at scale. The cost of fuel cells and the infrastructure needed to refuel the trains remain significant hurdles.

Officials said the government is working on a phased rollout, with more hydrogen trains expected to be commissioned in the coming years. The Railways is also exploring partnerships with private firms to set up hydrogen production and dispensing units near key rail corridors.

What to watch: The operational performance of this first hydrogen train over the next few months will determine how quickly the Railways scales up the technology. If successful, it could open the door for dozens more such trains on non-electrified routes across the country.