Hydrogen Train Launch: On July 17, PM Modi will flag off the country's first hydrogen train from Jind station. Operating on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route, this train will make history with its new fuel technology.

India's First Hydrogen Train: India is poised to create history in rail transport. PM Modi will flag off the country's first hydrogen train from Jind station on July 17. Preparations for the PM's arrival are currently underway at the station; the premises are being cleaned, track maintenance is being carried out, and mock drills are being conducted. Additionally, the Railways is giving the final finishing touches.

The hydrogen train has been stationed at the hydrogen depot adjacent to the station, where it is being washed and will be decorated with flowers prior to PM Modi's arrival. The 89-km Jind-Sonipat section was selected for this inaugural run, where the hydrogen train will operate at a speed of 75 km/h. This marks the first time a fuel other than electricity or coal is being used for train propulsion.

Train to run on Green Hydrogen.

A hydrogen power plant has been constructed at Jind railway station to store the hydrogen fuel required for the train. At this plant, hydrogen will be extracted from water using electricity via the electrolysis process—producing "Green Hydrogen"—which will then react with oxygen to generate electricity; this electricity will power the fuel cells to drive the train's wheels.

Claimed to be the world's longest hydrogen train

A notable feature of this train is that it will be the world's longest and most powerful hydrogen train. The train will consist of 10 rakes. Eight of its coaches will provide seating for 682 passengers, while the train's total passenger capacity is 2,600. Regarding power, the train will feature two 1,200 kW power generators that produce electricity from hydrogen fuel to drive the train.

As for the passenger experience, the fare has been kept comparable to that of local trains or DEMUs; according to sources, ticket prices will range from ₹5 to ₹25. Although PM Modi is set to flag off this new train on July 17, general passengers will still have to wait about a month to a month and a half before they can travel on it.

When will public operations begin after the inauguration?

Ahead of PM Modi's inauguration event, Pushpendra Tripathi, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of the Delhi Division, visited Jind railway station today to inspect the hydrogen train's inaugural run. He stated that some essential trials are still pending; once these are completed, the train will be made operational for the general public within one to one-and-a-half months.

The most notable feature is that the use of fuel in this train will not produce smoke or pollution; instead, the only emissions will be steam and heat. This is what makes the train special, as India aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, and this technology could prove to be a significant milestone in that journey.