India's Green Revolution: Hydrogen Train to Revolutionize Railways
Key Ideas
- India's Indian Railways is set to trial a hydrogen-fueled train on the Jind-Sonipat heritage line, aiming for 35 hydrogen trains across the country by 2025.
- Manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory in Tamil Nadu, each hydrogen train costs Rs 80 crore with 100 kW fuel cells per bogie and a top speed of 140 km/h.
- The project will reduce carbon and noise pollution, utilizing technology developed by the Kochi unit of Fluitron Company, driving towards zero emissions by 2030.
- Private suppliers will assist in providing compressed hydrogen while plans for hydrogen production and storage plants with private participation are in progress.
In a significant move towards sustainability, India's Indian Railways is embarking on a green mission with the introduction of hydrogen trains. The country is set to trial a hydrogen-fueled train on the Jind-Sonipat heritage line in Haryana, showcasing its commitment to eco-friendly transportation. By 2025, a total of 35 hydrogen trains are expected to be operational across India, making it the fifth country to own and operate such trains globally. The technology behind these trains involves fuel cells that use hydrogen to produce electricity, offering a cleaner and quieter alternative to traditional diesel engines. Each train, manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory in Tamil Nadu, will feature 100 kW fuel cells in each bogie, with a construction cost of Rs 80 crore. The initiative not only addresses environmental concerns by reducing carbon and noise pollution but also aims to save costs on electrification. The project will leverage private suppliers for compressed hydrogen and involve private participation in setting up hydrogen production and storage plants. This move aligns with Indian Railways' goal of achieving zero emissions by 2030, contributing significantly to the global fight against climate change. The development of the technology to safely store and fill hydrogen on trains was a collaborative effort involving the Kochi unit of Fluitron Company, spearheaded by Thomas Joseph, a native of Kerala. The railways plan to establish a hydrogen filling plant near Jind railway station in Haryana to facilitate the operation of the first hydrogen train in the region. With this innovative step, India is poised to revolutionize its railway sector and set a new standard for sustainable public transport.