India Set to Launch Hydrogen-Powered Trains, Paving the Way for Sustainable Rail Travel

Sunday, October 6, 2024

India is poised to debut hydrogen-powered trains, marking a significant leap toward sustainable rail transportation. If successful, this initiative will enable the country to join Germany, France, Sweden, and China as the fifth nation in the world to operate hydrogen-powered trains. Indian Railways plans to commence trial runs in December 2024, which will be a crucial step in this innovative project.

Here are 10 key facts about India’s first hydrogen-powered train:

1. Hydrogen for Heritage Project: Indian Railways has introduced the “Hydrogen for Heritage” initiative, aiming to deploy 35 hydrogen-powered trains.
2. Estimated Cost: Each train is projected to cost approximately INR 80 crore, with an additional INR 70 crore allocated for the necessary infrastructure along each route.
3. Safety Standards: To ensure rigorous safety measures, Indian Railways has partnered with Germany’s TUV-SUD for a third-party safety audit of the hydrogen train prior to its official launch.
4. Operational Route: The hydrogen-powered train will operate on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway, with the prototype being assembled at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai.
5. Retrofitting Existing Trains: A pilot project is currently underway to retrofit a Hydrogen Fuel Cell onto an existing Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rake, transitioning from diesel to clean hydrogen energy.
6. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Tower Cars: Five maintenance tower cars based on hydrogen fuel cell technology are in development, each costing around INR 10 crore.
7. Hydrogen Production and Supply: A 1-megawatt Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) electrolyser will produce the hydrogen required for the trains in Jind, Haryana, with an estimated output of 430 kg of hydrogen per day.
8. Storage and Refueling: The facility in Jind will also feature a 3,000 kg hydrogen storage system, a hydrogen compressor, and two hydrogen dispensers with pre-cooler integration, facilitating efficient and quick refueling for the trains.
9. System Synchronization: Indian Railways has successfully tested the synchronization of the system’s battery and two fuel units, marking a significant milestone in the development of this hydrogen-powered train.
10. Green Hydrogen Focus: The hydrogen used for the trains will be green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources, aligning with India’s broader decarbonization objectives.

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