A hydrogen train trial will be held on the 90 km long Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana in December 2024. This will be the first train in India that is hydrogen-powered. Indian Railways is set to revolutionise transportation by launching it.
The Jind-Sonipat route was selected for the trial due to its moderate traffic and suitable infrastructure. This ensures smooth evaluation of train performance, safety and efficiency. Successful testing will pave the way for hydrogen technology to be used on other non-electrified routes.
Benefits of the Hydrogen train
There are various benefits of the hydrogen train. Following are a few of the benefits:-
1 Eco-friendly
Hydrogen train is a big step towards sustainable travel. This is an eco-friendly train. This test reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 and reflects its dedication to combat climate change.
This hydrogen-powered train is equipped with advanced fuel cells that generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Thus the process releases only water vapour as a byproduct, making it a zero-emission transportation solution. This train is not only environmentally friendly but is also quieter and more energy-efficient than diesel trains.
This train emits zero greenhouse gases, thereby reducing pollution. Furthermore, Hydrogen fuel cells are quieter than diesel engines, reducing noise pollution, especially in urban areas.
2 Cost-effective:
Indian Railways expansion plans to introduce 35 hydrogen-powered trains by 2025. It will focus on routes currently dependent on diesel engines. Each train is estimated to cost ₹80 crore. Moreover, an additional ₹70 crore is required for the creation of infrastructure. Above all as the production of hydrogen fuel increases, the cost is expected to decrease.
Furthermore, these trains can run on non-electrified routes, eliminating the need for costly electrification projects.
3 Energy efficiency
Hydrogen can act as a storage medium for excess renewable energy, helping to stabilize energy grids and promote energy independence. Furthermore, a Hydrogen train is quieter and uses energy more efficiently. Moreover, transitioning to hydrogen helps diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on oil and gas.
