India's Leap Towards Sustainable Transportation: Hydrogen-Powered Train Innovation
Key Ideas
  • India is gearing up to trial its first hydrogen-powered train in December 2024, becoming the fifth country globally to operate such eco-friendly trains.
  • Under the 'Hydrogen for Heritage' initiative, Indian Railways plans to introduce 35 hydrogen trains, with each estimated to cost Rs 80 crore.
  • The first prototype will undergo testing on an 89 km route in Haryana, with a focus on safety through a thorough audit by a German company and hydrogen fuel sourced from a local electrolyser in Jind.
  • This initiative aligns with India's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions and signifies a significant step towards sustainable transportation and eco-friendly practices in the railway sector.
India is on the brink of a groundbreaking advancement in sustainable transportation with the forthcoming trial of its first hydrogen-powered train in December 2024. This milestone will establish India as the fifth country in the world to operate hydrogen trains, following the pioneering footsteps of Germany, France, Sweden, and China. The initiative, part of the 'Hydrogen for Heritage' program by Indian Railways, aims to introduce a fleet of 35 hydrogen trains, with an estimated cost of Rs 80 crore per train. Additionally, Rs 70 crore has been allocated for the required ground infrastructure along various heritage and hilly routes. The inaugural prototype is slated to undergo testing on an 89 km route in Haryana, specifically on the Jind-Sonipat section, with preparation activities currently underway at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. Moreover, a comprehensive safety audit of the hydrogen train system is being conducted by TUV-SUD, a German company, to ensure stringent safety standards are met during the transition to this innovative technology. The hydrogen fuel for these trains will be generated by a 1-megawatt Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) electrolyser situated in Jind, with an anticipated production of around 430 kg of hydrogen daily. Notably, the refuelling infrastructure in Jind will include a 3,000 kg hydrogen storage facility and dispensers for swift refuelling operations. This strategic move not only underlines India's dedication to achieving net-zero carbon emissions but also signifies a significant leap in promoting sustainable practices within the public transportation domain. With successful trial runs on the horizon, Indian Railways is poised to revolutionize travel experiences while championing environmental sustainability.
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