Indian Railways Set to Roll Out Hydrogen-Fueled Trains by 2025
Key Ideas
  • Indian Railways plans to introduce the country's first hydrogen fuel cell-powered train by retrofitting existing diesel locomotives, aiming for emission-free transportation.
  • Contracts have been awarded to convert a 1200 KW DEMU into a hydrogen fuel cell-based DPRS, with field trials expected to begin in early 2025.
  • The project includes pilot testing of hydrogen fuel cells, onboard safety approvals, and aims to have 35 train-set rakes operational to reduce carbon emissions significantly by 2030.
  • Global examples like Alstom's Coradia iLint in Europe and ongoing hydrail projects in Germany, China, California, and Italy showcase the growing interest and success of hydrogen-powered trains worldwide.
Indian Railways is gearing up to introduce the country's first hydrogen fuel cell-powered train with plans to conduct field trials as early as January 2025. The project involves retrofitting existing diesel locomotives with a hydrogen fuel cell-based DPRS. The aim is to provide emission-free transportation by converting hydrogen into electric energy through fuel cells. Contracts have been finalized for the conversion of a 1200 KW DEMU into a hydrogen-powered train, with the first prototype expected by December. Indian Railways envisions manufacturing multiple train sets with fuel cell-based propulsion systems to significantly reduce carbon emissions by 2030. The project includes pilot testing of hydrogen fuel cells, onboard safety approvals, and collaboration with global agencies like TÜV SÜD for certification processes. If successful, Indian Railways plans to introduce 35 train-set rakes, each consisting of 6 cars, in different sections. Looking at global examples, Alstom's Coradia iLint in Europe has already showcased the success of hydrogen-powered trains. Other countries like Germany, China, California, and Italy are also actively working on hydrail projects, highlighting the global interest in sustainable transportation solutions.
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