India's Green Revolution: Indian Railways to Introduce Hydrogen-Powered Trains
Key Ideas
  • Indian Railways is set to launch its first hydrogen-powered train by December 2024, joining countries like Germany and France in utilizing hydrogen fuel cell technology.
  • A pilot project is underway to retrofit DEMU trains with hydrogen fuel cells and develop necessary infrastructure. The prototype is being developed in Chennai.
  • The 'Hydrogen for Heritage' initiative aims to deploy 35 hydrogen trains on heritage routes, showcasing India's cultural and natural heritage in an eco-friendly manner.
  • The move towards hydrogen technology aligns with India's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions and promises a greener future for rail travel in the country.
Indian Railways is on the brink of a green revolution with the imminent launch of its first hydrogen-powered train by December 2024. This initiative places India among a select group of countries that embrace hydrogen fuel cell technology in their rail networks. The project involves a pilot program to retrofit existing DEMU trains with hydrogen fuel cells, along with building the necessary infrastructure to support hydrogen-powered operations. The prototype of the hydrogen train is currently being developed in Chennai and is slated to run on the Jind-Sonipat section in Haryana, under the Northern Railway zone. Following a successful trial run, the 'Hydrogen for Heritage' initiative plans to introduce 35 hydrogen trains on various heritage and hill routes across the country, with each train estimated to cost Rs 80 crore. Additionally, Rs 70 crore will be allocated for developing hydrogen infrastructure on each route. These heritage lines, such as the Matheran-Hill Railway and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, will benefit not just from eco-friendly technology but also serve as a platform to exhibit India's rich cultural and natural heritage in a sustainable manner. Indian Railways' foray into hydrogen technology is a step towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions, reducing the environmental impact of railway operations, and ushering in a greener future for rail travel in India.
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