Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched India's first hydrogen-powered train on the Jind–Sonipat route, flagged off two new train services and inaugurated 75 redeveloped Amrit Bharat railway stations across 20 states.
India took a major step towards cleaner rail transport on Friday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the country's first hydrogen-powered train from Jind in Haryana. Alongside the hydrogen train, the Prime Minister also launched two new passenger train services and inaugurated 75 redeveloped railway stations across 20 states under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
The initiatives are aimed at promoting sustainable transport, improving railway infrastructure and strengthening connectivity across the country.
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India's first hydrogen-powered train begins service
The hydrogen-powered train will operate on the Jind–Sonipat route under Northern Railways, making India one of a select group of countries to introduce hydrogen-powered rail services.
Ahead of the launch, Prime Minister Modi said: "India is among a select group of nations."
The train will complete two round trips daily, covering approximately 356 kilometres every day. It has a maximum operating speed of 120 kmph, while its regular operating speed will range between 75 kmph and 120 kmph.
The train consists of 10 coaches, including two Driving Power Cars and eight passenger coaches, with a total carrying capacity of up to 2,600 passengers.
Route and stations
The hydrogen train will stop at the following stations:
- Jind City
- Pandu Pindara
- Lalit Khera
- Bhambeva
- Ishapur Kheri
- Butana
- Khandrai
- Gohana
- Rabhra
- Lath
- Mohana (Haryana)
- Barwasni
- Sonipat
The project is part of Indian Railways' broader plan to reduce carbon emissions and introduce cleaner energy technologies into its rail network.
Two new train services flagged off
Prime Minister Modi also launched two new passenger train services to improve connectivity between northern and eastern India.
Kartoli–Ambala City Express
The Kartoli–Ambala City Express (Train Nos. 14502/14501) will operate as a daily service.
The train from Kartoli will depart at 8:30 am and arrive at Ambala City at 12:55 pm. On the return journey, it will leave Ambala City at 4:15 pm and reach Kartoli at 8:25 pm.
Important stops include: Daulatpur Chowk, Amb Andaura, Una Himachal, Nangal Dam, Anandpur Sahib, Rupnagar, Morinda, Sirhind and Rajpura.
Chheharta–Varanasi Sant Ravidas Express
The Chheharta–Varanasi Sant Ravidas Express (Train Nos. 14624/14623) will operate three days a week.
The train will depart Chheharta every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 2:05 pm, reaching Varanasi at 12:15 pm the following day.
The return service will leave Varanasi every Thursday, Saturday and Monday at 7:50 pm, arriving at Chheharta at 5:10 pm the next day.
Major halts include: Amritsar, Jalandhar City, Ludhiana, Ambala Cantt, Saharanpur, Moradabad, Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Lucknow, Sultanpur and Jaunpur City.
75 Amrit Bharat stations inaugurated
In another major infrastructure push, the Prime Minister inaugurated 75 redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
The stations, spread across 20 states, have been modernised at a cost of approximately ₹1,570 crore.
The redevelopment includes improved passenger amenities, better accessibility, upgraded station buildings, enhanced waiting areas, modern signage and improved infrastructure aimed at offering a better travel experience.
Some of the stations inaugurated include:
- Jalandhar Cantonment
- S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali)
- Majbat
- Jalpaiguri
- Haldibari
- Sri Muktsar Sahib
- Sri Anandpur Sahib
Focus on modernisation and sustainable transport
The launch of India's first hydrogen-powered train marks a significant milestone in Indian Railways' efforts to adopt cleaner technologies and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Combined with the inauguration of new railway stations and additional passenger services, the projects reflect the government's broader focus on modernising the country's railway network, improving passenger convenience and expanding environmentally sustainable public transport.
Published: 17 Jul 2026, 08:06 am IST
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