Indian Railways approves first indigenous hydrogen train on Jind-Sonipat route
New Delhi, May 27
In a step towards green and sustainable transportation, Indian Railways has approved the introduction of a 10-car Hydrogen Fuel Cell-based trainset on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway.
According to the Ministry of Railways, the trainset is "all set to start soon" and will run at a maximum speed of 75 kmph using a "1200 KW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system."
The move is aimed at promoting cleaner and more energy-efficient rail transport. The ministry said hydrogen fuel cell technology "generates electricity through a chemical reaction using hydrogen, with water vapour as the only emission," making it "a clean alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based traction systems."
With the initiative, India joins countries such as Germany, Japan, China and the United States that are exploring hydrogen-powered rail transportation.
The Jind-Sonipat section in Haryana has been selected as the pilot route for operations. An indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has also been established at Jind for the trainset.
The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has granted the required licence for the storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas at the site.
According to the ministry, a hydrogen compression system has been installed for refuelling operations along with technical support and critical spares "to ensure reliable and fail-safe functioning." A standby compressor unit is also being arranged.
The minister further said that safety sensors, including "hydrogen leak detectors and flame detectors" installed at the hydrogen production, storage and dispensing facility, will be regularly inspected and cleaned to ensure safe operations.
Indian Railways has also put in place operation and maintenance manuals for the hydrogen trainset and hydrogen plant, approved by RDSO, along with safety provisions, audits and standard operating procedures for the maintenance facility at Shakurbasti.
The approval includes "24x7 monitoring of the hydrogen refuelling system, deployment of trained and certified personnel for critical operations, and regular inspection and maintenance schedules."
During the initial phase, trained technical staff will accompany the train "to ensure smooth functioning."
The project reflects Indian Railways' commitment to "innovation, energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable transportation" and supports India's clean energy and net-zero carbon emission goals, the statement added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone living near the Jind-Sonipat route, I'm excited but also a bit concerned about safety. The article mentions leak detectors and training, which is reassuring. Let's hope the indigenous tech works flawlessly! Hydrogen trains are the future, but we need proper infrastructure across India.
Great initiative! But why only 75 kmph? Our diesel and electric trains run much faster. Is this a limitation of hydrogen tech or just for the pilot phase? Also, I hope the refuelling infrastructure is reliable - no one wants a train stuck at Jind because of hydrogen shortage 😅
This is wonderful news for sustainable transport. I just wish the government would also focus on expanding regular rail electrification and improving local train services. Hydrogen trains sound futuristic, but we need to ensure they don't become another white elephant project. Let's see the operational costs first!
Good step towards net-zero. But I'm curious - where will the hydrogen come from? If it's from fossil fuels (grey hydrogen), then the environmental benefit is questionable. Hope they're using green hydrogen from renewable sources. Also, 10 cars for a route like Jind-Sonipat seems too much for initial trials.
As a daily commuter on this route, I'm cautiously optimistic. The 75 kmph speed is actually fine for this section since there are many stations. But I hope the maintenance doesn't cause frequent cancellations like we see with Vande Bharat sometimes. Safety first though - better slow and safe than fast and unsafe!
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