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The Ministry of Railways has approved India's first fully indigenous hydrogen-powered 10-coach DEMU (Diesel-Electric Multiple Unit) train, which will soon begin regular service between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana. This project is considered an important step towards clean and environmentally friendly railway transport in India. The train has been developed
using hydrogen fuel cell technology, which helps reduce pollution and supports green energy.
Hydrogen Train Operations
According to Railway Board officials, the hydrogen train will operate only on the Jind-Sonipat route for now. However, maintenance work for the train will be carried out at Shakurbasti in Delhi. The train set will be moved between Jind and Shakurbasti using a locomotive whenever required.
The Railways has also directed officials to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of the hydrogen refuelling system and ensure proper security at the hydrogen plant and fuel storage facility to prevent unauthorised entry. The hydrogen train can run at a maximum speed of 75 kmph. Trial runs of the train were successfully conducted in March this year. Authorities have also approved the storage and filling of compressed hydrogen gas at the refuelling station in Jind.
For the first three months of operation, trained technical staff will travel with the train to handle any technical problems during the journey.
How is the Hydrogen Train Significant?
This hydrogen-powered train is special because it is said to be the world's longest hydrogen train running on a broad-gauge railway system. It has 10 coaches, including two driving power cars and eight passenger coaches. The train can carry around 2,600 passengers and produces a total power output of 2400 kilowatts.
Nayab Singh Saini thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central Government for choosing Haryana for the country's first hydrogen fuel cell-based train project. He said the train would help Haryana become a major centre for clean and modern railway technology.
The Chief Minister added that hydrogen trains will play an important role in the future of transportation by reducing pollution and encouraging the use of green energy and alternative fuels.
Hydrogen Train Development
The Ministry of Railways had set aside Rs 2,800 crore in the 2023-24 budget for hydrogen train development. Under the "Hydrogen for Heritage" project, Indian Railways plans to introduce 35 hydrogen-powered trains, mainly on heritage and hill routes. Each train is expected to cost about Rs 80 crore, while infrastructure development for each route may cost around Rs 70 crore. The project aims to promote sustainable tourism and reduce the carbon footprint of Indian Railways across the country.