India builds its first hydrogen-powered train

India rolled out its first indigenously built, hydrogen-powered train

a move aimed at expanding the use of clean energy in its vast rail network.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the "NaMo Green Rail"

at Haryana's Jind railway station Friday.

"NaMo" is a common abbreviation of Modi's first and last names.

The train made up of two hydrogen-powered driving cars and eight passenger

coaches will operate in the northern state of Harayana.

It can run at speeds of up to 75 kilometres per hour and carry a

maximum of about 2,600 passengers, railway officials say .

"This is a very significant day in the direction of self-reliant India and

sustainable development," Modi says in a post on X.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, Indian Railway minister says,

"Hydrogen is seen as a new form of energy. India has taken many new

initiatives in the production of hydrogen, and the National Hydrogen Mission

is also working in this direction.

To use hydrogen in transportation, it is necessary to develop the technology.

As part of this effort, railway engineers in India have developed this technology."

He says, "These are hydrogen cylinders. The hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity.

After that, converters installed further ahead drive the motor."

He adds, "The complete system development has been done in India,

and its testing has been carried out by the world's best agencies.

and it completely safe and certified.

Loco pilot Rajesh Kumar adds the train is powerful and soundproof

and has zero pollution.

Another Loco pilot Gagandeep Singh says, "We are very fortunate that we got the

opportunity to operate the first run of the hydrogen train and experience a new

technology. The supply of diesel and petrol is gradually decreasing, so we are

using this new fuel, hydrogen, which is produced from water. Its byproduct

is also water vapour, so it is a very clean fuel."