India to join elite club: Trial run of hydrogen-powered train to begin soon

NEW DELHI: Soon, India will join the elite group of countries that have hydrogen-powered trains. This cutting-edge technology is currently being used in only four countries: Germany, France, Sweden, and China. India has given approval for a pilot project to modify existing DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) = trains to incorporate the necessary facilities.

India's first hydrogen-powered train will run on the Jind-Sonepat route in Haryana by December. Senior officials indicate that the process of assembling the prototype train is underway at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. They also said that Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is closely monitoring this environmentally friendly project.

As per the 'Hydrogen for Heritage' project, the railways will launch 35 hydrogen trains after the trial run. 80 crore will be earmarked for each train with an additional Rs 70 crore allocated for infrastructure development. These (hydrogen trains) will operate in various heritage and hill regions. The introduction of hydrogen trains is a significant step towards India's ambitious goal of achieving zero carbon emissions. The Railways has obtained necessary clearance from the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO) for the hydrogen plant.