Opinion | NaMo Green Rail: World’s Most Powerful Hydrogen Train Puts Atmanirbharta On Track

Developed entirely indigenously under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, it demonstrates India’s capability in next-generation clean rail technology

On July 17, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first indigenous hydrogen-powered passenger train from Jind railway station in Haryana. This landmark event marked a pivotal moment in the country’s push towards sustainable mobility and symbolised the transformative modernisation of Indian Railways under the Modi government since 2014. The 10-coach train, operating on the 89 km Jind-Sonipat section, represents not just a technological first but also a strategic step in aligning India’s vast rail network with global green energy goals under the National Green Hydrogen Mission and the net-zero emissions target by 2070.

Indian Railways has long relied on diesel for non-electrified routes, contributing to emissions and import dependence. The hydrogen fuel cell train changes that narrative. Developed entirely indigenously under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, it demonstrates India’s capability in next-generation clean rail technology. Key specifications of India’s first hydrogen train are: (a) Composition is made up of 10 coaches, 2 Driving Power Cars (DPCs) and 8 passenger coaches. (b) Power output is 2400 kW total (1200 kW per DPC), making it the world’s longest and most powerful hydrogen trainset on broad-gauge tracks. (c) Capacity is 682 seated passengers, with a total capacity of around 2600. (d) Speed is a maximum operational speed of 75 km/h on the pilot route (trials reached 120 km/h). (e) Energy source is hydrogen fuel cells combined with lithium ferrophosphate batteries. (f) Emissions are zero, with only byproduct being water vapour. (g) Hydrogen storage is approximately 440 kg of compressed hydrogen onboard. (h) Daily operation is made up of two round trips (356 km total), consuming about 300 kg of hydrogen per day at full load.

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The train was designed by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in Lucknow and manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. Medha Servo Drives (Hyderabad) handled the retrofit of a Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU), with fuel cell technology in partnership with Ballard Power Systems (Canada), for the core fuel cell components. An indigenous green hydrogen production plant using electrolysis has been established at Jind, with storage........

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