The first hydrogen-powered train in India is about to begin service. Speed, Route, and MoreOn Wednesday, May 27, Indian Railways approved the installation of a 10-car hydrogen fuel cell-based trainset on the dedicated Jind-Sonipat line in Haryana, marking a significant milestone in the nation's drive towards environmentally friendly, energy-efficient and sustainable transportation. The 10-car train, which can reach a top speed of 75 kmph, will shortly begin operations thanks to a 1,200 KW hydrogen fuel cell power system.
With this, India becomes a member of a select group of countries investigating the use of hydrogen for greener rail transportation, including the United States, Germany, Japan, and China.The first hydrogen-powered train in India is about to begin service. Speed, Route, and MoreOn Wednesday, May 27, Indian Railways approved the installation of a 10-car hydrogen fuel cell-based trainset on the dedicated Jind-Sonipat line in Haryana, marking a significant milestone in the nation's drive towards environmentally friendly, energy-efficient and sustainable transportation. The 10-car train, which can reach a top speed of 75 kmph, will shortly begin operations thanks to a 1,200 KW hydrogen fuel cell power system.
With this, India becomes a member of a select group of countries investigating the use of hydrogen for greener rail transportation, including the United States, Germany, Japan, and China.

How Does A Hydrogen-Powered Train Work?

Indian Railways has electrified nearly 100 per cent of its network, which has already reduced carbon emissions by a large extent. With the introduction of hydrogen-powered trainsets, Indian Railways is pushing the envelope with trains generating their own electricty onboard."The project reflects Indian Railways' broader commitment to innovation, energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable transportation and supports India's national clean energy and net-zero carbon emission goals," said an announcement issued by Indian Railways.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology is a clean substitute for traditional fossil fuel-based traction systems since it produces energy through a chemical reaction involving hydrogen and emits only water vapour. An indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling station has been established in Jind for the Jind-Sonipat segment, with the required permissions from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO).
Trained technical personnel will follow the train during the first stage of operations to guarantee seamless operation.
Safety And Precautions
Only a few nations are currently using or testing such systems because the technology is still in its early stages. According to Indian Railways, the approval also requires extensive operational and safety procedures, such as:

• The hydrogen refuelling system is monitored around-the-clock.
• deployment of qualified and experienced workers for crucial tasks.
• schedules for routine maintenance and inspections.
• The hydrogen manufacturing, storage, and dispensing plant has installed a number of safety sensors, such as flame and hydrogen leak detectors.
• To avoid dust buildup and guarantee safe operation, do routine inspections and cleanings.

Shuttle Bus Powered by Hydrogen
The Indian government has been actively promoting transportation options based on hydrogen. In the Central Vista neighbourhood of New Delhi, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) launched the first hydrogen-powered shuttle bus service earlier this month.
Two hydrogen-powered buses with 35 seats each have been supplied to DMRC by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). For real-time monitoring, safety, and route compliance, the buses are outfitted with GPS-based tracking and CCTV equipment.