India has officially entered the small group of nations operating hydrogen-powered trains, launching its first domestically built model in a ceremony led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The debut represents a practical step in the country's broader effort to decarbonize one of the world's largest railway networks. Main Developments Modi inaugurated the locomotive ahead of its maiden trip on Friday, calling the event a significant day for India's drive toward self-reliance and sustainability. Dubbed the "NaMo Green Rail"—an abbreviation combining the prime minister's first and last names—the train will operate two return trips daily along a 90-kilometer route connecting Jind and Sonipat in Haryana state. The 10-coach train seats approximately 2,600 passengers and reaches speeds up to 75 kilometers per hour. Designed, engineered, and built entirely in India, the hydrogen-powered locomotive emits only heat and water vapor when running, positioning it as a cleaner alternative to diesel engines. Read also: Why France vs England's Bronze Match Matters More Than You Think Background India has already electrified nearly all of its 70,000-kilometer railway network—one of the largest in the world. Hydrogen trains are intended to fill gaps where overhead electrification is not feasible, offering a zero-emission solution for remaining diesel-powered segments. Other countries operating hydrogen-powered trains include Japan, China, the United States, and Germany, which launched the world's first hydrogen-powered fleet in 2022. India's entry into this group follows years of research and development focused on adapting hydrogen fuel cell technology to local rail conditions. Why It Matters The rollout aligns with India's ambitious goal of making its railways net-zero by 2030, part of a wider push to expand hydrogen use and cut carbon emissions. Modi has long championed other clean-energy initiatives, including expanding renewables and advancing India's nuclear energy program. While the country continues to grapple with implementing effective climate policy across all sectors, the NaMo Green Rail demonstrates tangible progress in greening a heavily used transportation system. Each hydrogen train that replaces a diesel unit reduces particulate matter and carbon dioxide emissions along its route, directly benefiting communities near rail corridors. What's Next India plans to deploy additional hydrogen trains on routes where electrification remains impractical, though specific expansion timelines have not been announced. The government will monitor the Jind-Sonipat service for performance data on fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and passenger adoption before scaling up the program. Questions remain about hydrogen production capacity and refueling infrastructure, as the country scales up its green hydrogen manufacturing to support both rail and other industrial applications. Success of the NaMo Green Rail could accelerate orders for more units and encourage domestic suppliers to enter the hydrogen fuel cell supply chain.