India’s first hydrogen train to shut down next week: Route, speed, technology and everything you need to know | Today’s news
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to flag off the country’s first hydrogen-powered train from Haryana’s Jind railway station on July 17, news agency PTI reported citing sources in the Railway Ministry.
“As of now, we have received confirmation from the PMO that PM Modi will sign off hydrogen train from Jind on July 17,” a senior railway official told a news agency.
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Experts from the mechanical department said that each motor drive car (DPC) can generate 1,200 kilowatts (kW) of power, which equates to about 1,600 horsepower (hp).
Quick answers to key questions
•5 QUESTIONS
India’s first hydrogen train contains two locomotives, eight passenger cars, generates 1200 kW of power and has a top speed of 75 km/h on the Jind-Sonipat route.
The hydrogen train technology is significant as it aligns with India’s commitment to energy efficiency and carbon reduction, marking the country’s entry into a select group of countries using hydrogen for cleaner rail transport.
The hydrogen fuel cell on the train works by converting hydrogen into electricity through a chemical reaction, with the only emission being water vapour, providing a clean energy solution for rail transport.
Yes, other countries should consider adopting hydrogen train technology as it contributes to sustainable mobility and reduces dependence on fossil fuels, thereby supporting global efforts to combat climate change.
Safety measures for the hydrogen train include comprehensive operational protocols, hydrogen leak detectors, flame detectors and regular inspections to ensure safe operation of the hydrogen production, storage and dispensing facility.
“The train is equipped with hydrogen fuel cells that convert hydrogen into electricity and release water vapor, making it a clean energy system,” an expert told the agency.
What is a hydrogen train?
With two power coaches and eight passenger coaches, the train has undergone extensive trials between Sonipat, Jind and New Delhi over the past two and a half months at speeds ranging from 75 kmph to 120 kmph.
After the flag, the train will start commercial operation. It covers about 356 km daily in two round trips of 89 km between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana. The train has 682 seats and a total capacity of 2,600 passengers.
The train holds 440 kg of compressed hydrogen and its safety and design verification has been carried out by the company DHW KUDan independent testing and certification organization that ensures it meets international safety standards.
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It originates from Germany as the Association of Technical Inspection, DHW KUD ensures that technology products, systems and devices are safe, secure and sustainable.
“At maximum passenger load and operating conditions, it will consume about 300 kg of hydrogen per day. The train is designed to safely reach a maximum speed of 110 kmph; however, its operating speed on the Jind-Sonipat route will be 75 kmph,” a railway official told PTI.
The train is only allowed to run between Jind and Sonipat sections and its maintenance facilities have been set up at Shakurbasti in Delhi, its hydrogen power system will be switched off as per safety protocol to bring it to a dead state and a diesel locomotive will take the entire train to Shakurbasti for maintenance.
What is the technology?
Operating and maintenance manuals for the hydrogen train set and the hydrogen plant, duly approved Organization of research proposals and standards (RDSO), are also available, a government statement said.
The project reflects Indian Railways’ broader commitment to innovation, energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable transport.
The Indian Railways has approved the introduction of a 10-car train set based on hydrogen fuel cells on the Jind-Sonipat Northern Railway dedicated section, the government said in a statement. The train will travel at a maximum speed of 75 km/h, powered by a 1,200 kW fuel cell hydrogen drive.
The Jind-Sonipat section in Haryana has been identified as a pilot route for these operations. A domestic hydrogen storage and refueling facility has been set up at Jindu for the train set. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) has granted the required license for the storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas at the site.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology produces electricity through a chemical reaction using hydrogen, with the only emission being water vapor, making it a clean alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based traction systems. Hydrogen rail systems are increasingly recognized worldwide as a promising solution for sustainable mobility.
India joins an elite group of countries
With this initiative, India joins a select group of countries including Germany, Japan, China and others United Stateswhich investigate the use of hydrogen for cleaner rail transport. As the technology is still in its infancy, only a limited number of countries are currently operating or testing such systems, the government said in an earlier statement.
A hydrogen compression system was provided for refueling operations along with necessary technical support and critical spare parts to ensure reliable and safe operation. Various safety sensors, including hydrogen leak detectors and flame detectors installed in hydrogen production, storage and dispensing facilities, will be regularly checked and cleaned to prevent dust accumulation and ensure safe operations, the government said.
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The approval also mandates comprehensive safety and operational protocols, including round-the-clock monitoring hydrogen refueling systemdeployment of trained and certified personnel for critical operations and regular inspection and maintenance schedules. During the initial phase of operation, the train will be accompanied by trained technical staff to ensure smooth operation.
“The project reflects Indian Railways“Broader commitment to innovation, energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable transport and supports India’s national clean energy and net zero carbon goals,” the statement said.
