Is India all set to get its first hydrogen-powered train? Well, if it happens, the country will mark a step toward sustainable rail transportation. An Indian Railways initiative, the trial runs are slated to start in December 2024. By doing so, India will also become the fifth nation in the world to operate hydrogen-powered trains, joining Germany, France, Sweden, and China.
Here are 10 important facts about first hydrogen-powered train:
‘Hydrogen for Heritage’ project: The Indian Railways has launched the “Hydrogen for Heritage” initiative to introduce 35 hydrogen-powered trains.
Estimated cost: The project is estimated at INR 80 crore per train. An additional INR 70 crore per route will be invested in infrastructure.
An Indian Railways initiative: Indian Railways has enlisted Germany’s TUV-SUD to conduct a third-party safety audit for the hydrogen train, ensuring high safety standards before its official launch.
First Hydrogen train: The hydrogen-powered train will operate on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway, with the prototype being integrated at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai.
Retrofit of existing trains: A pilot project is underway to retrofit a Hydrogen Fuel cell onto an existing Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rake, transitioning from diesel to clean hydrogen energy.
Fuel cell tower cars: Five Hydrogen Fuel Cell Based Tower Cars, used for maintenance purposes, are also being developed. Each vehicle will cost around INR 10 crore.
Hydrogen production and supply: The hydrogen needed for the trains will be produced by a 1-megawatt Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) electrolyser in Jind, Haryana. This facility is expected to generate around 430 kg of hydrogen per day.
Storage and refueling: Jind will also house a 3,000 kg hydrogen storage system, a hydrogen compressor, and two hydrogen dispensers with pre-cooler integration, ensuring efficient and quick refueling for the trains.
Fuel units: Indian Railways has successfully tested the synchronization of the system’s battery and two fuel units, marking a critical milestone in the development of this hydrogen-powered train.
Green Hydrogen Focus: The hydrogen used will be green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis powered by renewable energy, contributing to India’s broader decarbonization goals.
Global achievement: India’s venture into hydrogen trains aligns with global efforts to shift to greener transportation solutions, and it reinforces the country’s commitment to sustainable development in rail infrastructure.
This move is expected to reduce the railways’ carbon footprint.
