India inaugurated its first domestically built hydrogen-powered passenger train on 17 July, a milestone the government is presenting as a major step in modernising one of the world's largest railway networks while cutting transport-related emissions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched the service, named the "NaMo Green Rail", at Jind Junction in Haryana, a state in northern India, framing the project as part of a wider national drive towards clean energy and technological self-reliance.
The train consists of ten carriages in total — two hydrogen-powered driving cars and eight passenger coaches — and can carry approximately 2,600 passengers at a top speed of around 75 kilometres per hour. It is designed for short- to medium-distance routes, and the pilot service will specifically operate on lines that are not yet fully electrified, where diesel trains remain the default option. Alongside the rolling stock, the project includes dedicated infrastructure for hydrogen production, storage and refuelling, giving engineers the opportunity to assess safety, efficiency and real-world performance over time.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology works by combining hydrogen and oxygen in a chemical reaction that generates electricity, releasing only water vapour and heat as by-products. This makes it a compelling low-emission alternative to diesel propulsion, which still powers a significant portion of India's vast rail network. Unlike conventional electric trains, hydrogen-powered trains do not require overhead wires, making them particularly suited to routes where full electrification is costly or logistically complex.
The launch sits within the framework of India's National Hydrogen Mission, a government initiative aimed at establishing the country as a global hub for the production and use of green hydrogen. It also supports India's long-term climate commitments, including a national target of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. As one of the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases, India has faced sustained international pressure to accelerate its clean energy transition, and the rail sector — which serves billions of passenger journeys each year — represents a significant lever for reducing emissions at scale. Whether the technology will prove cost-effective and scalable beyond the pilot phase remains to be seen, but the launch signals a clear policy direction towards low-carbon public transport.