India’s first Hydrogen train set to roll out shortly
By Arun Kumar Das
New Delhi, Aug 31 (BVI): The Hydrogen Train, a first in Indian Railways, is all set to ply between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana with passengers, a development that will make India the fifth nation to use this clean fuel in the railway sector.
With 10 coaches, the hydrogen train, built at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, uses hydrogen fuel cells to emit only water vapour, making it a zero-emission, eco-friendly alternative to diesel trains.
The train is currently undergoing trial runs and is likely to be operational shortly, officials said.
Once operational, India will join Germany, France, Sweden, and China in powering trains by Hydrogen fuel.
Its advanced features include the world’s most powerful hydrogen train engine (1,200 HP) and a dedicated 3,000 kg hydrogen production and storage facility in Jind for safe and efficient refueling.
The 10-coach hydrogen train set is capable of running at a maximum speed of 110 kmph and has the carrying capacity of over 2,600 passengers.
The train emits only water vapour, reducing carbon emissions to zero and hydrogen fuel cells combine hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, which powers the train’s electric motors.
The train can operate on non-electrified tracks, reducing the need for costly overhead wiring.
It is equipped with advanced safety systems, including pressure relief valves and has hydrogen leak detection sensors, and temperature monitoring.
While the upfront cost is higher, long-term operational savings are expected from reduced fuel and maintenance costs.
According to the Railways, it reduces India’s dependence on imported diesel, contributing to energy security, a significant step towards eco-friendly transportation with hydrogen-powered trains.
Indian Railways has taken up an ambitious and state-of-the-art project of running its first hydrogen train.
This train will be the world’s most powerful 2400 kW and longest hydrogen train with 10 coaches. (BVI)
