Indian Railways to Trial First Hydrogen-Powered Train in Haryana
Key Ideas
  • Indian Railways is set to trial its first hydrogen-powered train on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana in December, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
  • The train, designed to reach speeds up to 140 km/h, utilizes fuel cells to generate electricity, emitting only water vapor, aligning with green transportation goals.
  • If the trial run is successful, Indian Railways plans to introduce 35 more hydrogen-powered trains by 2025, following in the footsteps of countries like Germany, Sweden, and China.
  • Additionally, a pilot project for retrofitting Hydrogen Fuel cells on existing trains is awarded, indicating a significant shift towards sustainable energy use in the railway sector.
The Indian Railways is gearing up to conduct the trial run of its first hydrogen-powered train in December, marking a significant step towards sustainable transportation in India. This trial will take place on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana, covering a distance of 90 kilometers. Manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory in Tamil Nadu, the train is capable of running at speeds up to 140 kilometers per hour. The use of fuel cells that combine hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity results in water vapor being the only emission, aligning with Indian Railways' ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. In a bid to expand the deployment of hydrogen-powered trains, if the upcoming trial in December proves successful, the railway network plans to introduce an additional 35 trains by 2025. This move positions India alongside leading nations like Germany, Sweden, and China that have already embraced hydrogen train technology. Moreover, Indian Railways has also taken a step towards retrofitting existing Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) trains with Hydrogen Fuel cells, demonstrating a comprehensive approach towards incorporating sustainable energy solutions. The initiative signifies a strategic shift towards cleaner energy sources and reduced carbon footprint in the transportation sector. Each hydrogen train is estimated to cost around Rs 80 crores, with an additional requirement of Rs 70 crores for ground infrastructure on various heritage and hill routes. While the initial running cost of hydrogen fuel-based trains may be higher, the long-term benefits in terms of reduced carbon emissions and support for green technology are significant. The announcement of the trial run of the hydrogen-powered train reflects Indian Railways' commitment to embracing innovative technologies for a sustainable future. This proactive approach not only contributes to environmental conservation but also sets a precedent for the adoption of clean energy solutions in the transportation industry.
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