India's First Hydrogen Train Flagged Off by PM Modi: Zero-Emission Journey on Jind-Sonipat Route
India has joined a small group of nations with operational hydrogen-powered trains after Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the country's first such train on the Jind-Sonipat section in Haryana on [date]. The train, a converted diesel-electric multiple unit (DEMU) with a hydrogen-electric propulsion system, produces zero emissions, releasing only water vapour.
The 10-coach non-AC passenger train will cover the 89-kilometre route in about two hours at a maximum speed of 75 kmph, with 14 halts. It has a capacity of 2,600 passengers and 3,200 horsepower. The Northern Railway will announce the commercial service start date soon.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Jind, Modi highlighted the historical significance: 'Just as the first train between Bombay and Thane is remembered, future references to hydrogen trains will mention Jind, Sonipat, and Haryana.' He noted that the 19th century was defined by steam engines, the 20th by diesel and electric, and the 21st belongs to hydrogen technology.
The train will make two round trips daily, covering 356 km and consuming about 300 kg of hydrogen. A 3,000-kg hydrogen storage plant has been built in Jind for refuelling, which takes around four hours. Safety features include 15 hydrogen leak detectors, seven heat detectors, and three flame detectors. In case of a leak, the system shuts down automatically.
Modi emphasised that hydrogen train technology is only 7-8 years old globally, with only three or four countries currently capable of running such trains. He said India will continue research to reduce costs and increase efficiency, expanding the network step by step. He also noted that India's hydrogen train is both the most powerful and the longest, with 10 coaches compared to 3-4 coaches typical in other countries.
The train was developed by replacing diesel engines with zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells on old DEMU rakes. Additional loco pilot Chandrakant Kumar, trained in Delhi and Chennai, said the driving experience is similar to a DEMU train. Train manager Nitin Parikh said the primary goal is safe and timely operation, adding that the adoption of clean technology will significantly cut emissions.
The flagged-off train carried students from Nav Vidya Senior Secondary School, Jind, who described it as a 'beautiful train.'
