Indian Railways Embarks on Hydrogen Train Project
Key Ideas
- Indian Railways plans to conduct trials for its first hydrogen-powered train in January 2025, with commercial operations expected to begin in March 2025.
- The hydrogen train will be one of the most powerful globally, with an engine capacity of 2400 kW and a storage capacity of 3000 kgs of hydrogen.
- The project involves converting conventional diesel-powered cars into hydrogen fuel cell-powered ones, with German certification for safety and a focus on reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
- The on-ground infrastructure for refuelling is being developed in Jind, Haryana, with plans for 35 trainsets in the first phase and a refuelling capacity of 3000 kg of green hydrogen per day.
Indian Railways is set to revolutionize its transportation system with the introduction of hydrogen-powered trains. The Integral Coach Factory in Chennai will be responsible for building the prototype, with trials scheduled in January 2025 and commercial operations expected to start by March 2025. The hydrogen train, with an impressive engine capacity of 2400 kW and a storage capacity of 3000 kgs of hydrogen, aims to be a game-changer in the industry. Despite a higher initial cost of operation, the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions is projected to be significant. Additionally, Indian Railways plans to convert conventional diesel-powered cars into hydrogen fuel cell-powered ones, with thorough testing and certification processes in place for safety. The project includes the development of on-ground infrastructure for refuelling in Jind, Haryana, with a focus on green hydrogen production. With plans for 35 trainsets in the first phase, Indian Railways is making significant strides towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions.