India's Leap into Green Transportation: 35 Hydrogen Trains Set to Revolutionize Heritage Routes
Key Ideas
- Indian Railways allocated Rs 2800 crore in the financial year 2023-24 for the development of 35 hydrogen fuel cell-based trains.
- The initiative aims to support zero carbon emission goals and promote clean energy sources in India's transportation sector.
- The first hydrogen train is set to launch in the ongoing fiscal year, with trials expected to commence by the end of the year on heritage and hill routes.
- Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the importance of the hydrogen train project, highlighting the pilot project for retrofitting hydrogen fuel cells on existing trains.
In a significant move towards sustainable and green transportation, Indian Railways is gearing up to introduce 35 hydrogen fuel cell-based trains under the 'Hydrogen for Heritage' initiative. These trains are expected to play a crucial role in supporting zero carbon emission goals and promoting clean energy sources in the country's transportation sector. With an allocation of Rs 2800 crore in the financial year 2023-24, the Ministry of Railways is investing in the development of hydrogen trains. The first hydrogen train is scheduled to be launched within the current fiscal year, with trials set to begin by the end of the year on heritage and hill routes. The exact route for India's first hydrogen train is yet to be finalized, but field trials are anticipated between the Jind and Sonipat stations in Haryana. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has underscored the significance of the hydrogen train project, including a pilot initiative to retrofit hydrogen fuel cells on existing Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) trains. The project not only aims to modernize the rail network but also to establish hydrogen infrastructure for heritage routes with an additional investment of Rs 600 crore. This endeavor marks a significant step towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation in India, emphasizing the country's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and embracing clean energy solutions.