Table of Contents
Haryana to Run India’s First Hydrogen Train
Hydrogen Train Project
- First Initiative: This project is India’s first passenger train that runs using hydrogen fuel, started as an experiment to introduce clean and eco-friendly rail travel.
- Railway Authority: The train has been made by Indian Railways and is handled under the Northern Railway zone.
- Fuel Cell Technology: The train works using hydrogen fuel cells, which produce electricity needed to run the train.
- Zero Emission Output: While running, the train releases only water vapour and heat, and no smoke or harmful gases.
- Pilot Objective: The main aim is to check whether hydrogen can be safely and effectively used for regular train services.
- Future Replication: If successful, similar trains can be introduced on other railway routes that do not have electric lines.
Route and Operations
- Pilot Corridor: The hydrogen-powered train will run between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana.
- Route Distance: The total distance of this route is around 89 to 90 kilometres.
- Commuter Focus: This route is important for people who travel daily between nearby towns for work and other needs.
- Operational Zone: The train service will be operated by Northern Railway.
- Project Status: The route and systems are currently being checked for final readiness before public service begins.
Manufacturing and Specifications
- Indigenous Development: The train has been fully designed and built in India using Indian technology.
- Production Facility: The coaches were manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.
- Design Standards: The technical design and safety standards were prepared by RDSO.
- Train Formation: The train has two power cars that generate electricity and eight coaches for passengers.
- Global Significance: It is one of the longest hydrogen-powered trains in the world running on broad gauge tracks.
- Passenger Capacity: The train can carry up to 2,638 passengers at one time.
- Design Speed: It can run at a maximum speed of about 110 kilometres per hour.
Hydrogen Infrastructure
- Fuel Facility: A special green hydrogen production plant has been set up at Jind in Haryana.
- Production Process: Hydrogen is made by breaking water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity.
- Storage Strength: The plant can store up to 3,000 kilograms of hydrogen fuel.
- National Record: This is the largest hydrogen storage facility built on the ground in India.
- Power Support: A steady 11 kV electricity connection has been provided for continuous hydrogen production.
- Safety Systems: Backup power and emergency safety systems are installed to handle any problems.
Technology and Environmental Impact
- Fuel Conversion: Hydrogen reacts inside fuel cells to produce electricity without burning fuel.
- Electric Traction: The electricity produced is used to run the train’s motors.
- Emission Advantage: The train does not release smoke, carbon dioxide, or other harmful gases.
- Cleaner Alternative: It is a much cleaner option compared to diesel trains.
- Climate Alignment: The project supports India’s plan to reduce pollution and fight climate change.
- Air Quality Benefit: Less pollution from trains helps improve air quality around railway areas.
Trial Runs and Commissioning
- Trial Success: The train has already completed several test runs successfully.
- Technical Testing: All systems were checked to ensure safety, smooth running, and reliability.
- Regulatory Approval: Final safety approvals from railway authorities are still awaited.
- Administrative Review: Senior railway and government officials are closely watching the progress.
- Final Readiness: The project is almost ready for full public operation.
Launch and Passenger Services
- Launch Timeline: The train is expected to be officially launched in January 2026.
- Probable Date: News reports suggest January 26, but no final date has been confirmed.
- Official Status: Authorities will soon announce the official launch date.
- Ticket Pricing: Ticket prices are expected to be affordable for common passengers.
- Service Details: Information about timings and number of trips will be shared after launch.
- Onboard Facilities: The train will have lighting, fans, air-conditioning where required, and safety features.
Strategic Importance and Future Scope
- Global Positioning: India joins a small group of countries using hydrogen-powered trains.
- International Examples: Countries like Germany and China have also started hydrogen train projects.
- Fuel Transition: This helps reduce the use of diesel fuel in railway operations.
- Route Suitability: Hydrogen trains are useful on routes where electric lines are not available.
- Scalable Model: The project can help Indian Railways plan more hydrogen trains in the future.
- Green Vision: It strengthens India’s goal of clean and sustainable transportation.
Important Questions
- What is the main objective of launching India’s first hydrogen-powered train under the Indian Railways pilot project in Haryana?
- Why was the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana chosen by Northern Railway for operating the hydrogen-powered train?
- How does green hydrogen fuel cell technology used in the hydrogen-powered train help reduce emissions compared to diesel locomotives?
- What is the importance of the green hydrogen production and 3,000-kg storage facility established at Jind for running the hydrogen train?
- How can the successful operation of the hydrogen-powered train influence the future use of clean energy in Indian Railways?
Conclusion
The launch of India’s first hydrogen-powered train in Haryana marks an important step towards clean and sustainable rail transport. By using green hydrogen instead of diesel, the project reduces pollution and supports India’s climate goals. This pilot initiative not only shows the country’s growing technological capability but also opens the path for cleaner trains on non-electrified routes across India in the future.
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