India’s first hydrogen train rolls out July 17, and tickets could cost as little as Rs 5

Indian Railways is ready to write history by launching the country’s first indigenous hydrogen-powered passenger train this July, marking a milestone in India’s journey toward cleaner and more sustainable rail travel. The date decided for the much-awaited launch is July 17.

The train is expected to be flagged off from Jind railway station in Haryana and will operate on the Jind-Sonipat section under Northern Railway, covering approximately 90 kilometres. As per reports, the train will have the capacity to carry around 2,500 passengers, with the corridor chosen as a pilot project for testing hydrogen-powered rail operations.

The project was approved by the Ministry of Railways in May this year. According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the Railway Board has cleared the introduction of a 10-car indigenous hydrogen fuel cell train equipped with a 1,200 kW hydrogen propulsion system, running at a maximum operational speed of 75 km/hr. The PIB called the project a significant step towards “greener and more energy-efficient rail operations.”

Under budget fares, ticket prices are likely to range between Rs 5 and Rs 25, meaning travellers can experience India’s newest rail innovation without spending much. Unlike diesel trains, which emit carbon dioxide and particulate pollution, hydrogen-powered trains produce only water vapour and heat as by-products, making the journey emission-free, quieter and lower-maintenance.

If the pilot proves successful, hydrogen-powered trains could eventually operate on more non-electrified routes across the country, marking what officials describe as another major step in reducing the carbon footprint created by Indian Railways.