Indian Railways plans to launch the nation’s first hydrogen-powered train by March 31 in a historic move towards environmentally friendly transportation. India will join countries like Germany, France, China, and the United Kingdom as world leaders in green transportation because of this environmentally beneficial invention.
In 2023–2024, the Ministry of Railways set aside Rs 2,800 crore to build a fleet of 35 trains powered by hydrogen fuel cells as part of India’s larger clean energy transportation plan.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasised that the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) created the standards for these trains, guaranteeing that the technology is entirely Made in India.
The train is reportedly being built by Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory (ICF) and will be run by Northern Railway’s Delhi Division on the 89-kilometer Jind-Sonipat line once it is finished.
According to Vaishnaw, “Indian Railways has embarked on a cutting-edge project to develop the first hydrogen train on a pilot basis by retrofitting hydrogen fuel cell on diesel electric multiple unit (DEMU) rake.”
The Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) has created the requirements for this entirely domestically built train. This is expected to be one of the world’s longest hydrogen trains at the moment. Additionally, it will rank among the world’s most powerful hydrogen trains,” he continued.
This hydrogen train is especially noteworthy because of its unparalleled power capability of 1,200 horsepower (HP), more than twice as strong as comparable hydrogen trains in other nations.
India’s domestically built hydrogen train will outperform all current hydrogen-powered trains worldwide, which typically have engines of 500–600 horsepower.
Fuel cells, which produce energy by mixing hydrogen and oxygen and only emit water vapour as a byproduct, will power the train, giving it a zero-emission transportation option.
In addition to the train, an integrated hydrogen production, storage, and dispensing facility is planned as part of the on-ground infrastructure for hydrogen refilling. Vaishnaw stated in the Rajya Sabha last week that the facility plan has the required safety certifications from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
“The project further demonstrates Indian Railways’ dedication to developing alternative energy-powered train travel, guaranteeing a cleaner and greener future for the nation’s transport industry,” he continued.
