India's First Hydrogen-Powered Train and PEM Fuel Cell Technology

Science & Technology · 17 July 2026 · Based on The Hindu (original report)

2-minute summary

India has marked a milestone in green transportation with the launch of its first hydrogen-powered train running along an 89-km stretch between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana. Unlike conventional diesel locomotives that rely on internal combustion, this 10-coach train set—capable of carrying approximately 2,600 passengers—functions as a mobile power unit utilizing Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology. Onboard PEM fuel cells react hydrogen with atmospheric oxygen to generate clean electricity, emitting only heat and water vapor as byproducts. This initiative reflects Indian Railways' historical transition from coal and steam engines to electric traction and now towards sustainable zero-emission alternative fuels. The development aligns with national goals to decarbonize transport networks and move closer to achieving net-zero carbon emissions across the railway network.

Why it's in the news

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered train, named the NaMo Green Rail, operating on an 89-km route between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana. The train uses onboard Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells to generate clean electricity, signaling a major shift away from diesel locomotives.

Background and context

Indian Railways has historically evolved through distinct technological epochs: from steam locomotives fueled by coal during the 19th and early 20th centuries, to high-capacity diesel engines, and subsequently to large-scale electrification. To address environmental concerns and reliance on imported fossil fuels, Indian Railways set a goal to achieve Net-Zero Carbon Emissions by 2030. While electrification covers a major portion of high-density routes, non-electrified or feeder lines still depend on diesel power. Hydrogen fuel cell technology offers an ideal solution for non-electrified stretches without requiring capital-intensive overhead traction wires. The deployment of fuel cell technology on passenger routes represents a crucial step in testing green hydrogen applications in mass transit infrastructure.

Constitutional provisions

• Article 48A — Directs the State to endeavor to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.
• Article 51A(g) — Imposes a Fundamental Duty on every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment.

Government schemes

• National Green Hydrogen Mission — Aims to make India a global hub for the production, usage, and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives, supporting decarbonization of industrial and transport sectors.

Previous UPSC questions on this theme

• Prelims GS-1 2024 — Which one of the following is the exhaust pipe emission from Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, powered by hydrogen ? (a) Hydrogen peroxide (b) Hydronium (c) Oxygen (d) Water vapour
• Prelims GS-1 2023 — With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements : 1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion. 2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation. 3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None
• Prelims GS-1 2026 — Which of the following statements with regard to Green Hydrogen is/are correct ? 1. It is decarbonized hydrogen obtained from natural gas reforming combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS). 2. It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated from renewable energy. 3. National Green Hydrogen Mission of India aims for abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Select the answer using the code given below : (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Mains practice: Examine the role of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology in decarbonizing India's transportation sector. What key infrastructural and economic challenges must be addressed for its widespread scaling?

Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology represents a transformative leap in clean energy transport. By combining stored onboard hydrogen with atmospheric oxygen through an electrochemical process, PEM fuel cells convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy, emitting only water vapor and heat as byproducts.

Significance in Transport Decarbonization:

• Zero Direct Emissions: Replaces diesel internal combustion engines, eliminating harmful emissions such as particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and carbon dioxide.

• Energy Efficiency & Low Noise: Delivers higher thermal and electrical efficiency compared to conventional combustion engines while offering significantly quieter operations.

• Off-Grid Electrification: Ideal for non-electrified heavy rail or feeder routes, removing the need for continuous overhead catenary electrification.

Key Challenges in Widespread Scaling:

• High Fuel and Production Costs: Green hydrogen, produced via water electrolysis using renewable power, remains costlier than conventional diesel.

• Storage and Distribution Constraints: Hydrogen has a low volumetric energy density, requiring high-pressure compression or cryogenic liquid storage tanks onboard and across fueling hubs.

• Refueling Infrastructure Gap: Developing a network of high-capacity hydrogen dispensing stations demands high initial capital investment.

• Supply Chain & Technology Reliance: Specialized fuel cell components (e.g., platinum catalysts, specialized membranes) often depend on complex global supply chains.

Conclusion:

The successful deployment of hydrogen-powered trains, supported by initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission, marks an important milestone. Scaling this technology requires indigenous manufacturing of fuel cells, competitive green hydrogen production costs, and robust safety protocols to pave the way toward a zero-emission transport grid.

Prelims practice questions

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells: 1. PEM fuel cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy using an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. 2. When pure hydrogen is utilized as fuel, the primary emissions are carbon monoxide and water vapor. 3. PEM fuel cells operate at higher energy conversion efficiencies compared to conventional internal combustion engines. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B. Statement 1 is correct: PEM fuel cells combine hydrogen and oxygen electrochemically to generate electricity. Statement 2 is incorrect: When pure hydrogen is used, the only emissions are heat and water (H2O), with no carbon monoxide produced. Statement 3 is correct: Fuel cells convert chemical energy directly into electricity without intermediate thermal steps, making them inherently more efficient than internal combustion engines.

Q2. Regarding India's first hydrogen-powered train running on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana, which of the following statements is correct?

1. It generates mechanical power by burning liquid hydrogen directly inside a modified diesel engine.
2. It runs on compressed natural gas (CNG) blended with green ammonia.
3. It uses an onboard Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell to generate electricity for propulsion.
4. It operates strictly via electricity drawn from high-voltage overhead catenary lines.

Answer: C. India's first hydrogen-powered train carries a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell onboard, which generates clean electricity to power electric motors rather than burning hydrogen directly in a combustion engine.

Q3. With reference to clean energy initiatives in Indian Railways, what is the targeted year for achieving 'Net-Zero Carbon Emissions' across its network?

1. 2028
2. 2030
3. 2035
4. 2047

Answer: B. Indian Railways has set a policy target to become a 'Net-Zero Carbon Emitter' by the year 2030, driven by total route electrification, renewable energy integration, and alternative clean fuel adoption like hydrogen.

Revision flashcards

• What technology is used onboard India's first hydrogen train to produce electricity? Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology, which generates clean power onboard from hydrogen and oxygen.
• Which route was selected for the inaugural run of India's first hydrogen-powered train? An 89-km rail stretch between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana.
• What are the primary emissions/byproducts of a hydrogen fuel cell operating on pure hydrogen? Water vapor and heat (zero carbon dioxide or pollutant emissions).
• What is Indian Railways' target year for achieving Net-Zero Carbon Emissions? 2030.
• Which government initiative supports hydrogen energy integration across industrial and transport sectors in India? National Green Hydrogen Mission, nodal ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).