Source: Indian Express
Context
The Prime Minister will flag off India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train from Jind, Haryana, on 17 July 2026, marking a major milestone in India’s transition towards green and sustainable rail transport.
About India’s First Hydrogen Train
- Type: Hydrogen-Electric Multiple Unit (HEMU)
- Nature: India’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered passenger train
- Route: Jind – Sonipat (Haryana) (89 km)
- Project Cost: ₹136 crore
- Developed By: Northern Railway
- Technology Partner: Medha Servo Drives (Hyderabad)
- Fuel Cell Supplier: Ballard Power Systems (Canada)
Objective
- Promote zero-emission railway transport.
- Reduce dependence on diesel-powered trains.
- Develop clean mobility on non-electrified railway routes.
- Support India’s Net Zero 2070 and National Green Hydrogen Mission goals.
National Green Hydrogen Mission
- Launched: 2023
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
- Target: Produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030.
- Aims to make India a global hub for the production, utilisation and export of green hydrogen.
