India's Leap to Hydrogen: Unveiling the Country's First Hydrogen Train
Key Ideas
- Indian Railways is launching India's first hydrogen-powered train by March 31, 2025, on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana.
- The train features dedicated coaches for hydrogen storage, fuel cell converters, batteries, and air reservoirs, with a top speed of 110 km/h.
- The project involves a Rs 111.83 crore pilot initiative to retrofit a Hydrogen Fuel Cell on an existing Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rake.
Indian Railways is making significant strides in sustainable rail transport by introducing the country's first hydrogen-powered train. The Ministry of Railways is set to launch this groundbreaking initiative by March 31, 2025, on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana. The Research, Design, and Standard Organisation (RDSO) has developed the design for the train, which includes three dedicated coaches for storing hydrogen cylinders and integrating fuel cell converters, batteries, and air reservoirs. With a maximum speed of 110 km/h, the hydrogen train represents a major advancement in eco-friendly transportation. Indian Railways has allocated Rs 111.83 crore for a pilot project to retrofit a Hydrogen Fuel Cell on an existing Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rake, along with the necessary infrastructure, for operation on the specified route. This move positions India among the countries leading the way in utilizing hydrogen as a clean fuel for trains, emphasizing the nation's commitment to sustainable practices in the transportation sector.