Sipu Jha
Indian Railways is set to launch India’s first hydrogen-powered train! Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday shared a video post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) showcasing a glimpse of the first hydrogen-powered train in India.India has taken a significant step towards eco-friendly transportation with hydrogen-powered trains. India is set to become the fifth country globally, alongside Germany, France, Sweden, and China, to deploy trains powered by hydrogen technology.The first hydrogen-powered train service will operate on the route connecting Jind and Sonipat in Haryana.
Indian Railways’ first hydrogen train: Top facts
- According to Indian Railways, the new train will be the world’s most powerful and longest hydrogen-powered, with the capacity to transport 2,600 passengers.
- Indian Railways recently completed testing of its first hydrogen-powered train coach at Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory (ICF).
- In July, Vaishnaw shared a video of the trial on X, describing it as a significant step towards creating a “future-ready and sustainable India.”
- He had said, “India is developing a 1,200 HP Hydrogen train. This will place India among the leaders in Hydrogen powered train technology.”
- Responding to a Rajya Sabha query, Vaishnaw outlined plans for 35 Hydrogen trains under ‘Hydrogen for Heritage’, with individual train costs estimated at Rs 80 crore and route infrastructure expenses at Rs 70 crore for heritage and hill routes.
- Indian Railways has initiated an innovative project to create India’s first hydrogen train through a pilot programme, involving the modification of a diesel electric multiple unit (DEMU) rake with
hydrogen fuel cells .
The minister also detailed plans for supporting infrastructure, including an integrated facility for hydrogen production, storage and dispensation to support the train operations.The project also includes the development of five Hydrogen Fuel Cell Based Tower Cars for maintenance purposes, with each unit carrying a price tag of Rs 10 crore.For the train operating in Haryana, hydrogen will be supplied through a 1-megawatt (MW) Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyser situated in Jind.According to GreenH Electrolysis, this electrolyser will operate on a continuous basis, producing about 430 kg of hydrogen daily.The company further stated, “The refuelling infrastructure at Jind will also have a 3,000 kg hydrogen storage, hydrogen compressor, and two hydrogen dispensers with pre-cooler integration, allowing for quick refuelling of the trains.”
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