India on Friday introduced its first domestically built, hydrogen-powered train, marking a significant step in the country's effort to integrate clean energy into its extensive rail system.
The train, comprising two hydrogen-powered driving cars and eight passenger coaches, is set to operate in the northern state of Haryana. Railway officials stated that it can reach speeds of up to 75 kilometers per hour (47 mph) and accommodate approximately 2,600 passengers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the "NaMo Green Rail" at the Jind railway station in Haryana. Modi described the launch as a pivotal moment for an "self-reliant India and sustainable development" in a post on X.
This pilot project includes the necessary hydrogen storage and refueling infrastructure to evaluate the technology's viability for India's railway network. Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, with water vapor as the sole direct emission. Several nations have adopted hydrogen trains as an alternative to diesel on non-electrified routes.
The introduction of the hydrogen train aligns with India's broader strategy to promote green hydrogen and decrease carbon emissions. The nation has established a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, with Indian Railways actively exploring hydrogen as a substitute for diesel on select routes.