India’s first hydrogen train was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday at the Jind railway station in Haryana. With this launch, India joins a list of select countries in the world that have trains running on hydrogen as a fuel. The launch is part of a larger plan to shift towards greener mobility options, with hydrogen being considered the greenest fuel. The pilot project will provide learnings for remote and heritage routes on Indian Railways, where hydrogen-powered trains can be a viable alternative solution to route electrification.In the last 12 years, Indian Railways has substantially reduced its dependence on imported diesel through rapid electrification. With more than 99% of the broad gauge network now electrified, Indian Railways is now introducing a hydrogen fuel cell train set, which generates its own electricity onboard rather than drawing power from overhead electric lines like conventional electric trains.
Hydrogen Train Route, Train Number, Stoppages & Time Taken
India’s first hydrogen-powered train will run between Jind and Sonipat taking over two hours to complete the journey. Train number 74010 will depart from Jind everyday at 7:40 AM to reach Sonipat at 9:40 AM taking two hours to complete the journey. On the return journey, Train number 74009 will leave from Sonipat at 10:40 AM to arrive in Jind at 1:00 PM taking 2 hours and 20 minutes.
India’s First Hydrogen Train
En route the train will stop at Jind City, Pandu Pindara, Lalit Khera, Bhambeva, Ishapur Kheri, Butana, Khandrai, Gohana, Rabhra, Lath, Mohana Haryana, Barwasni.The train will operate under Northern Railways and its primary maintenance will be at Jind.
Hydrogen Train: Top Things To Know
- India’s first hydrogen train is a 10-coach passenger offering. According to Indian Railways, globally the few operational or under testing hydrogen trains have 2-3 passenger coaches, making India’s first hydrogen train the longest of its type in the world.
- The train has a design speed of 110 kmph and on the Jind-Sonipat section will be allowed to operate at a maximum speed of 75 kmph.
- The train has a capacity to carry 2,600 passengers.
- With a 3,200 horsepower propulsion system, it is one of the most powerful hydrogen trainsets in operation.
- At present, Germany, Japan, China, and the US are among the few countries that are either commercially running or testing hydrogen train technology. The launch marks India’s entry to a list of select few countries that are moving towards this green mobility option.
- Since the technology is still in its early stages globally, only a limited number of countries currently operate or trial such train systems.
- The Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana has been selected as the pilot corridor for the project.
- Designed, engineered and integrated entirely in India, the train has been developed using indigenous technology.
India’s Hydrogen Train- 10 Key Facts
How Does A Hydrogen Train Operate?
Hydrogen fuel cell technology works on the principle that it produces electricity through a chemical reaction involving hydrogen. What’s noteworthy is that it releases only water vapour as its by-product! This makes it a clean alternative to conventional rail traction systems that rely on fossil fuels. In contrast to diesel locomotives, which rely on combustion to produce mechanical energy, the hydrogen-powered train carries an onboard power plant based on Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology.
How Hydrogen Fuel Cell Works
Hydrogen stored in cylinders mounted on the train reacts with oxygen drawn from the surrounding air inside the fuel cell to generate electricity. This electricity powers the traction motors, which in turn drive the wheels. The electrochemical process produces only water vapour and heat as direct by-products, eliminating combustion, smoke and tailpipe carbon emissions.The trainset has two hydrogen driving power cars and eight trailer coaches. Each driving power car has hydrogen fuel cells, lithium iron phosphate batteries and hydrogen storage cylinders. They function together to deliver traction power.
Hydrogen storage facility at Jind
To support operations, an indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has been established at Jind. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has granted the necessary licence for the storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas at the facility.The refuelling infrastructure includes a hydrogen compression system, along with essential technical support and critical spare components to ensure reliable and fail-safe operations. A standby compressor has also been provided. Safety equipment installed across the hydrogen production, storage and dispensing facility, including hydrogen leak detectors and flame detectors, will undergo regular inspection and cleaning to prevent dust accumulation and maintain safe operations.
