India’s first Hydrogen train trial run begins; passenger services expected this year

Hydrogen train India launch date

The hydrogen-powered train will be launched after the successful completion of trials and necessary approvals from the concerned authorities. However, interacting with the media last week, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the hydrogen train would be introduced soon. The minister made the remarks while speaking to reporters following the announcement of the first Vande Bharat Sleeper route.

India’s first hydrogen train

With its introduction into commercial service, India will join an elite global league of countries including Germany, Sweden, Japan and China – that operate hydrogen-powered trains. “For providing hydrogen for use in this train-set, a hydrogen plant has been conceived at Jind. In this plant, hydrogen is being produced using electrolysis process which is key element of green hydrogen generation,” the national transporter said.

Hydrogen train features

• Designed and Developed in India demonstrating Indian Railways’ commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Presently, it is the world’s longest (10 coaches) and most powerful (2400 kW) Hydrogen Train-set on Broad Gauge platform.
• The train-set comprises of two Driving Power Cars (DPCs) of 1200 kW each, totalling 2400 kW along with eight passenger cars.
• Zero CO2 emissions; only emission is water vapour.
• Major step in development of next generation fuel technology in Railways.