India Introduces First Hydrogen Train in Haryana: A Clean and Efficient Milestone
Key Ideas
- India is set to unveil its first hydrogen train on the Jind-Sonipat route, covering a distance of 90 km with zero harmful emissions.
- These hydrogen trains produce 60% less noise compared to traditional vehicles and have plans for 35 such trains to be deployed across the country.
- The train can reach a maximum speed of 140 km/h, travel up to 1,000 km before refueling, and requires 40,000 liters of water per hour for fuel production.
- Despite the benefits, the high operation costs may lead to potentially expensive hydrogen train tickets compared to regular train fares.
Since 2018, countries like Germany have been using commercial hydrogen trains powered by fuel cells that generate electricity from hydrogen, with water vapor as the only byproduct. India is soon to introduce its first hydrogen train on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana. This initiative by Indian Railways signifies a significant step towards sustainable transportation, as the hydrogen train covers the 90 km distance without causing any harmful emissions. Additionally, the train boasts a noise reduction of 60% compared to conventional vehicles, enhancing the travel experience for passengers. The Indian Railways plans to expand this eco-friendly mode of transport by deploying 35 such hydrogen trains across different routes by 2025. Each hydrogen train has impressive specifications, such as a maximum speed of 140 km/h and the ability to travel up to 1,000 km before needing to refuel. However, the production process requires approximately 40,000 liters of water per hour to generate fuel, and the manufacturing cost of each train is around Rs 80 crore. The introduction of hydrogen trains on iconic routes like Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and Kalka-Shimla Railway is also being considered. Moreover, various other countries such as France, the UK, the Netherlands, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Italy, and Spain have already incorporated hydrogen trains into their transportation systems, showcasing a global shift towards cleaner and more sustainable modes of travel.