Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to launch India's first hydrogen-powered train from Jind in Haryana on July 17, marking a significant milestone in the country's transition towards clean and sustainable transportation. After the inauguration, the train is expected to begin commercial operations on the Jind–Sonipat route under Northern Railway.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit on 17 July will be a historical moment for Haryana because he will unveil the country’s first-ever hydrogen train from Jind. The Chief Minister said that this initiative is an example of the Central government’s commitment towards clean energy, railway modernisation, and becoming a world leader in sustainable transportation. The launch will help in enhancing the contribution of Haryana in the green mobility transformation journey of India.

The hydrogen train is part of Indian Railways’ larger strategy aimed at decreasing its reliance on non-renewable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions. While a traditional diesel train is fuelled by a diesel engine, this train runs by using hydrogen fuel cells to create electricity. In the process of producing electricity, hydrogen combines with oxygen, thus generating water vapour and heat only as by-products.

Hydrogen tanks, hydrogen cell technology, as well as several safety measures have been incorporated in the design of this train to make sure that it is safe to operate. The train has gone through several trials before its launch, while the production and filling station of hydrogen for the train have been set up in Jind.

Apart from minimising pollution levels, there are various other benefits that can be expected from this project in the long run. The hydrogen trains will reduce greenhouse gases when compared to diesel trains, likely to reduce noise pollution since hydrogen fuel cell trains run much quieter than diesel trains, and will improve air quality along the rail tracks. Other benefits include developing a market for green hydrogen and fostering innovations in rail transportation in India.

The development is in line with the government’s National Green Hydrogen Mission that aims at making India a centre of green hydrogen production, usage, and exportation across the globe. Indian Railways has previously announced its ambition of becoming carbon neutral, and hydrogen fuel-based trains are anticipated to form part of this objective through non-electrified and heritage railway lines.

Experts from the industry believe that if this hydrogen train is successfully launched, it will become a gateway for hydrogen-based railways in India. This will benefit India by improving its clean mobility ecosystem, cutting down reliance on foreign fuel sources, and offering new avenues in the hydrogen economy sector.