Indian Railways' Ambitious Hydrogen Train and Infrastructure Expansion Plans
Key Ideas
- Indian Railways plans to deploy 50 hydrogen trains by 2047, with the first one starting operations this year, alongside the introduction of India's first Bullet train by 2027.
- The Kavach IV initiative aims to enhance rail safety, with over 1,400 kilometres of work already completed and plans to extend coverage by an additional 8,200 kilometres in the near future.
- Indian Railways aims to increase its share of the nation's freight market to 35% by 2030-31 through rapid infrastructure expansion, targeting a total transportation goal of 3,000 million tonnes.
- Rail transport's sustainability and efficiency were highlighted, with a 40% higher efficiency than road transport, an 85% smaller carbon footprint, and significant improvements in freight loading capacity and operational efficiency.
Indian Railways is embarking on an ambitious journey towards incorporating hydrogen trains into its operations. Mr. Anil Kumar Khandelwal, Member (Infrastructure) of the Railway Board, revealed plans to deploy 50 hydrogen trains by 2047, with the first train set to commence operations this year. Additionally, he announced the introduction of India's first Bullet train by 2027, showcasing a significant leap in rail technology. The Kavach IV initiative, focusing on enhancing rail safety, has seen substantial progress with over 1,400 kilometres of work completed. Bidding for an additional 3,000 kilometres on key routes is underway, with plans to further extend coverage by 8,200 kilometres in the near future. The aim is to revolutionize rail safety and streamline project planning through the newly established GatiShakti Directorate. Indian Railways also aims to secure a larger portion of the nation's freight market by increasing its share to 35% by 2030-31, equating to the transportation of 3,000 million tonnes. This vision requires rapid infrastructure expansion, evidenced by the surge in approved projects and enhanced track delivery efficiency. The industry's sustainability and efficiency were underscored by Mr. Vivek Lohia, highlighting rail transport's superior performance compared to road transport. With a 40% higher efficiency and an 85% lower carbon footprint, Indian Railways is making significant strides towards a greener and more efficient transportation sector, backed by notable achievements in freight transportation capacity and operational efficiency.