India's IP rights for hydrogen train technology open export opportunities: Ashwini Vaishnaw
New Delhi, July 17
Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday said India has retained the intellectual property rights for its indigenous hydrogen train technology, paving the way for future exports, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the country's first hydrogen fuel cell-powered train in Haryana.
Speaking to IANS, Vaishnaw said hydrogen is an emerging fuel not only in India but across the world, and Indian Railways has taken several initiatives to promote its adoption.
"Railways has developed a complete 2,400 kW hydrogen propulsion system for the transportation sector, which has been fitted in this train. This technology is completely indigenous and reflects the vision of an 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'," the minister said.
He described the project as a major step towards green energy and said it forms part of the railway modernisation drive undertaken over the past 12 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"It is a matter of pride that the Prime Minister flagged off India's first hydrogen train from Jind today," Vaishnaw told IANS.
Highlighting the significance of indigenous innovation, the minister said India owns the complete IP rights for the hydrogen propulsion technology, creating opportunities to export the technology in the future.
The 10-coach hydrogen fuel cell-powered train will operate between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana, covering the nearly 90-km route in about two hours.
Powered by a 3,200 HP propulsion system, the train generates electricity onboard using hydrogen and emits only water vapour, making it one of the cleanest modes of rail transport.
Developed using indigenous technology, the project places India among a select group of countries operating hydrogen-powered railways and marks a major milestone in the country's green mobility journey.
The launch also reflects Indian Railways' transition towards cleaner energy after electrifying more than 99 per cent of the broad gauge network, reducing dependence on diesel and supporting the country's long-term sustainability goals.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While it's good to see green initiatives, I hope the government also focuses on making this affordable and accessible to the common man. The train running between Jind and Sonipat is a start, but we need such tech across the country for real impact.
Impressive! Having a 3,200 HP hydrogen train that only emits water vapor is a huge step for clean transport. India is showing the world how to do green mobility right. Well done!
Great to see indigenous innovation! But I'm a bit skeptical about the cost-benefit ratio for hydrogen trains vs electric ones given India's high solar power capacity. Hope this was not done just for photo opportunities. Still, cheers to the team! 🚂
This is exactly what the world needs more of—homegrown tech that's also environmentally friendly. India's move to own the IP rights will definitely open doors for exports. Kudos to Railways!
I'm happy about the green energy push, but let's not forget the regular trains that still face overcrowding and delays. Infrastructure for all should improve equally. The hydrogen train is a nice step forward though! 🌿
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