Indian Railways to Trial First Hydrogen-Powered Train in Haryana
Key Ideas
- Indian Railways is set to conduct the first trial of a hydrogen-powered train on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana, covering 90 kilometers.
- The train, designed by Integral Coach Factory in Tamil Nadu, can reach speeds of up to 140 kilometers per hour and emits only water vapor.
- If the trial is successful in December, the plan is to introduce 35 more hydrogen-powered trains by 2025, aligning with the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
- Indian Railways has also awarded a pilot project for retrofitting Hydrogen Fuel cells on existing trains, showing a commitment to green technology and sustainable transportation.
Indian Railways is gearing up to test its first hydrogen-powered train in December, with a trial run scheduled on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana, covering a distance of 90 kilometers. The train, manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory in Tamil Nadu, is capable of running at speeds of up to 140 kilometers per hour. It operates using fuel cells that combine hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, producing only water vapor as emission, thus aligning with Indian Railways' objective of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. If the trial run in December proves successful, the railway network plans to roll out 35 more hydrogen-powered trains by 2025, showcasing a strong commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions. Additionally, Indian Railways has taken further steps by awarding a pilot project for the retrofitment of Hydrogen Fuel cells on existing Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rake, with the project planned to run on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway. This move not only highlights India's technological advancement but also places the country alongside global leaders in eco-friendly transportation, such as Germany, Sweden, and China, who have already embraced hydrogen train technology. The initiative reflects a positive sentiment towards hydrogen technology, emphasizing its role in reducing carbon footprints and promoting green transportation practices.