Jobaaj Stories
In a major step towards sustainable transportation, Indian Railways is set to introduce the country’s first hydrogen-fueled train by March 31. This eco-friendly innovation is expected to position India as a global leader in green mobility, joining countries like Germany, France, and the UK, which have already adopted hydrogen-powered trains.
The Ministry of Railways has allocated Rs 2,800 crore in the 2023-24 budget to build a fleet of 35 hydrogen fuel cell-based trains as part of the country’s broader vision for clean energy transportation. The train is being developed with fully indigenously designed specifications by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and is being built at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. Once completed, the train will be operated on the Jind-Sonipat route, covering a distance of approximately 89 km.
This hydrogen-powered train will have an impressive 1,200 horsepower capacity, more than double the strength of similar trains running in other countries, which typically feature engines with capacities between 500-600 horsepower. The train will run on fuel cells that combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct, making it a zero-emission transport solution.
Along with the train, Indian Railways will develop an integrated hydrogen production, storage, and refilling facility. This facility will be crucial to maintaining the hydrogen-powered train network, and all necessary safety approvals have already been obtained from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
This move underscores Indian Railways' commitment to advancing clean, green technologies in the transportation sector and will pave the way for future innovations in alternative energy-powered travel. It’s a significant step in reducing the carbon footprint of India’s railway network and ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable future for public transportation.
