Kochi: India is poised to enter a new era of eco-friendly rail transport as the country’s first hydrogen-powered train is set to undertake its trial run on January 26. The historic test will be conducted on the 90-kilometre Jind–Sonipat route under Northern Railway, marking a major breakthrough in sustainable mobility.
Reports indicate that the trial run will be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the national significance of the project. With this achievement, India joins a select group of only five countries worldwide currently operating hydrogen-powered trains.
Designed and developed indigenously, the train is the world’s longest hydrogen train on a broad-gauge network, featuring 10 modern coaches with a capacity to carry 2,500 passengers. The coaches were manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 150 kmph, the train is equipped with automatic doors that ensure movement only after all doors are securely closed, enhancing passenger safety.
To be operated under the name “Namo Green Train”, the project is being hailed as a major step towards reducing carbon emissions in Indian Railways. Final loading and comprehensive safety checks are scheduled to be completed at Jind railway station later this week.
The train employs advanced electrochemical technology, producing 900 grams of hydrogen from just 9 kilograms of water, which is sufficient to power the train for one kilometre. It can store up to 3,000 kilograms of hydrogen and 7,680 kilograms of oxygen, showcasing India’s growing strength in clean-energy innovation.
Once operational, the hydrogen train is expected to redefine sustainable rail travel in India and set a global benchmark for green transportation.
