Indian Railways is preparing to test its first hydrogen-powered train on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana, marking a significant milestone in eco-friendly transportation.
The trial, scheduled for January 2025, is a step towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
The hydrogen-powered train, developed by the Integral Coach Factory in Tamil Nadu, employs cutting-edge fuel cell technology.
These cells generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water vapour. With a top speed of 140 km/h, the train is poised to become a sustainable alternative to diesel-powered locomotives.
High costs, long-term benefits
The investment in hydrogen technology reflects a commitment to green innovation. Each train costs approximately ₹80 crore, with an additional ₹70 crore allocated for necessary infrastructure, particularly in heritage and hilly regions.
Additionally, five hydrogen fuel cell-based tower cars are being developed at ₹10 crore each to support maintenance.
A ₹111.83 crore pilot project retrofitting a Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rake with hydrogen fuel cells is also underway for the Jind-Sonipat route.
Safety first: A global collaboration
Indian Railways has partnered with Germany’s TUV-SUD for a comprehensive third-party safety assessment, ensuring the initiative aligns with international standards. The collaboration places India among global leaders like Germany, France, Sweden and China, which have already adopted hydrogen-powered train systems.
Future outlook
Should the trials succeed, Indian Railways plans to extend hydrogen train technology to additional routes by 2025.
This development reflects the nation’s ambition to transition towards a cleaner and greener transportation network, reducing air pollution and fostering technological innovation.
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