India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train to Debut on Jind–Sonipat Route; Railway Board Approves Daily Service
Indian Railways is set to achieve a major milestone in green transportation as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to flag off India’s first indigenous hydrogen-powered train on July 17, 2026, from Jind railway station in Haryana. Ahead of the inauguration, the Railway Board has approved the introduction of a new daily passenger service between Jind and Sonipat, which will be operated using the country’s first hydrogen fuel cell train.
According to a Railway Board communication issued on July 8, 2026, Train No. 74010 will depart Jind at 7:40 AM and arrive at Sonipat at 9:40 AM, while Train No. 74009 will leave Sonipat at 10:40 AM and reach Jind at 1:00 PM. The service will run daily.
The train will halt at Jind City, Pandu Pindara, Lalit Khera, Bhambeva, Ishapur Kheri, Butana, Khandrai, Gohana, Rabhra, Lath, Mohana Haryana, and Barwasni. Jind has been designated as the primary maintenance depot.
The Railway Board document specifically states that one rake will operate on hydrogen fuel, confirming that the approved service will use a hydrogen-powered trainset.
Developed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), the 10-coach Hydrogen Fuel Cell trainset is powered by a 1,200 kW hydrogen propulsion system and emits only water vapour, making it a zero-emission alternative to conventional diesel-powered trains. The train has a maximum speed of 75 kmph and is expected to begin commercial operations with two round trips daily.
The launch marks a significant step in Indian Railways’ transition towards clean energy and supports its long-term objective of achieving net-zero carbon emissions. The Railway Board has directed Northern Railway to introduce the service at the earliest convenient date, with the inaugural run likely to be operated as a special service before regular operations commence. Railway officials have also been instructed to ensure wide publicity for the new train and complete all operational formalities before its launch.
