India launches first hydrogen-powered train in clean energy push

The 10-coach train has a 2,600-passenger capacity and can travel at speeds up to 75kph

India has unveiled its first homegrown hydrogen-powered train, marking the country's entry into the era of zero-emission rail transport in the state of Haryana.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the train called “NaMo Green Rail” at Haryana’s Jind Railway Station on Friday, NDTV reported.

“NaMo” is an abbreviation of his first and last names.

“India has become one of the select group of nations that have such trains. This will go a long way in ensuring that India adopts clean technology in the railway sector,” he posted on X ahead of the launch under a pilot project.

With this, the South Asian nation joined a handful of countries, including Germany, Japan, China and the United States, that successfully implemented the zero-emission technology in their rail networks.

The 10-coach train has a 2,600-passenger capacity and can travel at speeds of up to 75kph on the 89km Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana under Northern Railway.

The project also marks the very first use of hydrogen fuel cell technology in India, according to the Indian broadcaster.

The technology will use hydrogen fuel cells to produce electricity, making it a cleaner alternative to diesel trains.

The project, it said, also includes hydrogen storage and refuelling facilities and involves a 1200kW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system.

Reuters says the train will run twice a day between the cities of Jind and Sonipat, bordering the national capital of New Delhi.

India has electrified nearly all of its 70,000km broad-gauge network, one of the ⁠world's largest, in an effort to achieve net zero carbon emissions in its railways by 2030, it adds.