Indian Railways is set to launch India’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered train, marking a significant step towards green rail transport. This 10-coach train, with a capacity to carry approximately 2,600 passengers, will operate on the 89-kilometer long Jind-Sonipat route. Equipped with two hydrogen power cars, the train can reach speeds of up to 110 km/h and showcases the future potential of hydrogen-powered rail transport. This train generates electricity from hydrogen and oxygen using fuel cell technology, with water vapor being the only direct by-product; it does not rely on overhead power lines and produces near-zero emissions during operation.
India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Rail Ecosystem
Indian Railways has set up a specialized facility for hydrogen production and refueling in Jind, Haryana. This facility generates hydrogen through electrolysis, stores it, compresses it up to 500 bar, and dispenses it at a pressure of 350 bar using specialized dispensers.
This facility can store approximately 3,000 kilograms of hydrogen and has received approval from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), thereby creating India’s first integrated hydrogen railway ecosystem.
Advanced Multi-Layer Safety System
Indian Railways has implemented several safety measures for trains and refueling infrastructure, including hydrogen leak detectors, flame and heat sensors, smoke detection systems, automated shutdown mechanisms, and continuous ventilation.
Train control systems enable real-time monitoring of essential functions, while emergency features are designed to help safely handle abnormal situations. Before being put into service, the train underwent various tests, including load testing, radio frequency checks, stability evaluations, and emergency braking tests. The entire hydrogen ecosystem was assessed against international safety standards and independently reviewed by technical experts.
Indigenous Technology Driving the Project
The hydrogen train has been designed and developed in India. The Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) handled the technical specifications and approvals, while Medha Servo Drives integrated the trainset, and the Integral Coach Factory contributed to its design.
Hydrogen-powered trains are currently in the early stages of development worldwide; countries such as Germany, France, Italy, China, and Japan are running only limited projects. However, India’s 10-coach hydrogen train represents one of the most significant initiatives in hydrogen rail for passengers, in terms of both capacity and infrastructure.
As part of the country’s efforts to achieve green transportation and net-zero emission goals, Indian Railways is now considering the use of hydrogen technology on an even larger scale. This could include its deployment on heritage routes such as the Kalka-Shimla Railway.
(PIB)
