This Madhya Pradesh Man Invented A Car That Runs On Water, But Now No One Knows Where He Is

Last Updated:November 13, 2025, 14:03 IST

Mohammad Raees Markani took nearly five years to redesign an 800 cc Suzuki engine so it could operate on acetylene gas.

Mohammad Raees Markani, a mechanic from Madhya Pradesh, made headlines for creating a car that runs on water. It took him nearly five years to modify an 800 cc Suzuki engine to run on acetylene gas, a fuel produced when calcium carbide reacts with water. His innovative, eco-friendly, and cost-effective idea attracted widespread attention, and he even secured a patent for his invention.

The same gas, commonly used in industries for welding and mine lighting, was ingeniously adapted by Raees to power a car engine. Despite his groundbreaking invention, his current whereabouts are unknown, leaving many curious about what happened to the man behind the water-powered car.

Meet The Mechanic Who Built A Water Powered Car

Recently, a content creator sharing details about his invention said, “This man had built a car that could run on water and even appeared on TV, but now he seems to have disappeared. Mohammad Raees Markani from Madhya Pradesh was a mechanic with no engineering degree.

Yet, after years of experimenting in his garage, he managed to create a car that ran on water. His idea was simple, if hydrogen gas could be separated from water, it could be used to power a car. He made a converter device that extracted hydrogen from water, which then fuelled the car’s engine without petrol or diesel. He even modified his Maruti 800 to prove that it worked.”

“In 2016, his invention was featured on History TV18’s show OMG Yeh Mera India, which brought him worldwide attention. It is said that some Chinese companies also invited him to work with them, but Mohammad Raees said that he will never leave Madhya Pradesh. Sadly, despite such an incredible invention, he received no support from investors or the government,” he added.

Social Media Users Call It A ‘Lost Opportunity’

Reacting to the post, a user wrote, “In thermodynamics, it is said that the input energy required to separate water into oxygen and hydrogen is higher than the output energy produced. This process is done through electrolysis. Its mileage is also very low. That’s why it was not a great idea.”

Another shared, “Tbh he should have left for China.”

“That’s the reason, smart people leaving India,” a comment read.

An individual stated, “Look, it’s simple, the oil companies are ruling the world, everyone wants to make a connection with Eastern countries, India too. So it’s simple if you try something which will be against those owners and will decrease their business, they will stop you.”

Another mentioned, “Poor man. He lost a big opportunity because of patriotism.”

One more added, “India is not for beginners.”

Mohammad Raees Markani’s Dream Was To Bring Change To His Hometown

Speaking about his invention in an interview with the UK Mirror in 2016, Mohammad Raees Markani had said, “The car runs on acetylene gas, which is formed from a chemical reaction between calcium carbide and water. The gas is used for several industrial purposes, including welding and portable lighting for miners. But in my case, I am using it to propel the car engines.

I have made other changes to the engines, which help the overall performance of the car. So basically, it is just about the water. This idea struck my mind while I was gas welding a part of my car in my workshop many years ago. But I did not know how to go about it. Somehow, I made a start and it took five years to make this efficient engine.”

Raees believed the demand for environmentally friendly cars was rapidly increasing, and his invention could become a strong alternative to conventional vehicles. He emphasised that his car was not only inexpensive to run but also eco-friendly.

Raees hoped major automobile companies would recognise the potential of his innovation. However, he had one special request: if anyone were to start a factory producing his water-powered cars, it must be established in his hometown in Madhya Pradesh. He wanted his success to uplift the community where he grew up and create new opportunities for the local people.

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