India's hydrogen fuel cell train: A rail first

India's first hydrogen fuel cell-powered train is set to be flagged off on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana, marking a landmark shift towards zero-emission rail travel in the country.

The Jind–Sonipat corridor in Haryana has been selected as the inaugural route for Indian Railways' first hydrogen fuel cell train — a line that will serve as a testbed for clean-energy rail operations across India.

Unlike diesel or electric trains, hydrogen fuel cell trains generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water vapour — making them among the cleanest modes of rail transport available.

The hydrogen train launch is seen as a major milestone in Indian Railways' push for sustainable transport, aligning with India's broader commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the rail sector.

Analysts say a successful rollout on the Jind–Sonipat route could pave the way for hydrogen trains on non-electrified lines across India, potentially reducing the country's dependence on diesel traction and cutting rail sector emissions.