India's Milestone: Launching the First Hydrogen Train by March 31
Key Ideas
- The Indian Railways is set to launch the country's first hydrogen-fuelled train by March 31, positioning India as a global leader in green mobility.
- With an allocation of Rs 2,800 crore, a fleet of 35 hydrogen fuel cell-based trains is being developed, showcasing India's commitment to clean energy transportation.
- The hydrogen train, built by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, will operate on the Jind-Sonipat route under Northern Railway's Delhi Division, covering around 89 km.
- This project signifies a technological leap for Indian Railways with fully indigenously developed specifications, making it one of the longest and most powerful hydrogen trains globally.
The Indian Railways is on the brink of a significant achievement with the impending launch of the country's first hydrogen-fuelled train by March 31. This move solidifies India's position as a key player in the global shift towards sustainable transportation. With an ambitious allocation of Rs 2,800 crore, a total of 35 hydrogen fuel cell-based trains are being developed, reflecting India's serious commitment to embracing clean energy solutions. The specifications for these innovative trains have been meticulously crafted by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), ensuring that the technology is entirely Made in India. The development of the hydrogen train is currently underway at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, with operations planned on the Jind-Sonipat route by Northern Railway's Delhi Division, covering an estimated distance of 89 km. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the groundbreaking nature of this project, describing it as a state-of-the-art initiative that involves retrofitting hydrogen fuel cells onto a diesel electric multiple unit (DEMU) rake. This pioneering train is poised to be one of the longest hydrogen trains globally and will boast significant power capabilities, marking a remarkable leap in the realm of sustainable rail transportation.