Namo Green Rail

Namo Green Rail
In service17 July 2026
ManufacturerIntegral Coach Factory (ICF)
Built atICF, Chennai
Family nameZero Emission Multiple Unit (ZEMU)
ReplacedDiesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU)
Constructed2024
Entered serviceJuly 17, 2026 – present
Number built1 set (10 cars)
Number in service1
Formation10 cars (2 driving power cars + 8 passenger cars)
Fleet numbers1
Capacity2,600 (total); 682 (seated)
OperatorIndian Railways
DepotShakurbasti (maintenance)
Line servedJind–Sonipat line[1]
Specifications
Maximum speed120 km/h (75 mph) (design); 75 km/h (47 mph) (operational)[2]
Prime moverElectric Engine powered by Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Power output2,400 kW (total)[3]
TransmissionHydrogen Powered
Power supplyHydrogen fuel cell (1,200 kW propulsion system)
Safety systemsLeak/flame detectors, 24x7 monitoring
Coupling systemCBC Coupling
Track gauge1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in)

The Namo Green Rail is a Hydrogen Train based on hydrogen fuel cell electric multiple unit (EMU) train type developed by the state-owned Integral Coach Factory (ICF) for the Indian Railways.[4][5]

This train features two Power Cars positioned at either end of the 10-coach trainset (one at the front and one at the back). The eight passenger coaches are located in the middle and have a total capacity of 2600 passengers. The total traction capacity stands at 2,400 kW (approximately 3,200 hp), as each power car can generate 1,200 kw of power each . At peak capacity the train is expected to use around 300 kg of hydrogen each day.[6][7]

The train operates on the 89-km Jind–Sonipat section in Haryana under the Northern Railways. The first test run took place on March 2, 2026, on this route.[8]

Fuel cell system

This series is equipped with a hybrid system that uses hydrogen as fuel and an electric battery as a power source[9]. It works by generating electricity with compressed hydrogen (stored in the train) and oxygen (from the air). This electricity is then stored on batteries to power the electric motors and other systems of the train. Fuel cell vehicles only emit water and heat, so they are considered Zero emission vehicles (ZEV).[10]

The main goal of this project is to create sustainable modes of transportation which can be used on heritage lines where installing OHE can damage the fragile ecosystem. Furthermore, the project aims to create rolling stock that operates using clean energy, such as hydrogen, to minimize environmental impact. Hydrogen does not emit carbon dioxide or any other polluting substance into the atmosphere and can be produced using renewable energy, which will help to curb global warming, preserve historical rail routes, and diversify energy sources for Indian Railways[11]

Design

Based on the design of S13 ICF coaches which were often exported to countries like Sri Lanka, the design of the train conveys a traditional Indian train aesthetic while maintaining a modern, futuristic image. The train is painted in a blue pattern, showing the connection between the rail heritage and the clean water generated as the only emission from the fuel cell device[12]. The train has the Namo Green Rail logo on the front and another on the side in the middle of the train, at the junction between cars. This logo represents the introduction of sustainable energy for vehicles as a new beginning for the rail network on the land.[13]

References

  1. ↑ Sen, Abhijeet (2025-08-12). "India to get Hydrogen train soon, first rack of 'Namo Green Rail's gets ready in..., which state will get first Hydrogen train? Name is..." India.com. Retrieved 2026-07-14.
  2. ↑ "The world's longest hydrogen-powered train reached 120 km/h". Railway PRO. 2026-07-07. Retrieved 2026-07-14.
  3. ↑ "PM to flag off India's first hydrogen train: How they work, and why they haven't picked pace globally". The Indian Express. 2026-07-13. Retrieved 2026-07-14.
  4. ↑ Singh, Amod Prakash (2026-06-26). "India's 1st Hydrogen Train Gets Approval. Here Is What Makes It Special". NDTV. Retrieved 2026-07-14.
  5. ↑ "Greener & More Energy Efficient; First Indigenous Hydrogen Train All Set to Start". Press Information Bureau, Government of India. 27 May 2026. Retrieved 14 July 2026.
  6. ↑ "Indian Railways News: Country's first hydrogen train to cover 89 km from Jind to Sonipat in 2 hours". Livemint. 2026-07-11. Retrieved 2026-07-14.
  7. ↑ https://metrorailnews.in/indias-first-hydrogen-train-to-launch-in-july/
  8. ↑ "India's first hydrogen-powered train is ready: PM Modi likely to inaugurate it on July 17; Check route, speed & features". The Economic Times. 2026-07-10. Retrieved 2026-07-14.
  9. ↑ "Railways Ministry approves India's first daily hydrogen-powered train service for Jind-Sonipat route". ANI News. 2026-07-10. Retrieved 2026-07-14.
  10. ↑ "India's first hydrogen-powered train notified: Know route, launch date & what makes it special". The Times of India. 2026-07-11. Retrieved 2026-07-14.
  11. ↑ "10 Coaches, 2600 Passengers & Zero Emission: India's first Hydrogen Train likely to hit tracks on July 17". Financial Express. 2026-07-13. Retrieved 2026-07-14.
  12. ↑ "Railways Ministry approves India's first daily hydrogen-powered train service for Jind-Sonipat route". ANI News. 2026-07-10. Retrieved 2026-07-14.
  13. ↑ "India to Launch First Hydrogen Powered Train on July 17, 2026". Angel One. 2026-07-10. Retrieved 2026-07-14.