PM Modi Hails NaMo Green Rail: India's Hydrogen Revolution
PM Modi highlights the success of NaMo Green Rail, India's first hydrogen-powered train, and the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed India's commitment to a sustainable future, highlighting the significant strides made in clean energy and green transport infrastructure. Speaking at the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit in New Delhi, the Prime Minister emphasized the nation's transition toward sustainable mobility through the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
A major highlight of the summit, which was held alongside the 4th International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH) at Bharat Mandapam, was the success of the 'NaMo Green Rail.' This groundbreaking, indigenously built hydrogen-powered train officially commenced its operations on July 17, 2026.
The Rise of NaMo Green Rail
Managed by the Northern Railway, the NaMo Green Rail currently operates on the Jind–Sonipat section in Haryana. The trainset consists of 10 coaches, which were developed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. The design received necessary technical approvals from the Research, Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO).
This innovative train is designed to cater to large numbers of commuters while maintaining high performance standards. Key technical details include:
- Passenger Capacity: Approximately 2,600 passengers.
- Operational Speed: 75 km/h.
- Design Capability: Up to 110 km/h.
Zero-Emission Technology and Infrastructure
The propulsion system of the NaMo Green Rail utilizes advanced hydrogen fuel cell technology. This system generates electricity on board, ensuring that the only emissions released into the atmosphere are water vapor and heat. This makes it a vital component in the push for zero-emission railway operations.
To support this cutting-edge technology, a dedicated hydrogen storage and refueling facility has been established at Jind. This facility features a storage capacity of nearly 3,000 kg of hydrogen to ensure continuous and reliable operations for the trainset.
National Green Hydrogen Mission Goals
The deployment of hydrogen-powered trains is a key part of the broader National Green Hydrogen Mission. The mission sets an ambitious target to achieve an annual production capacity of at least 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. This initiative is designed to bolster India's energy security and ensure long-term economic stability through the integration of clean energy into the national framework.