The Railway Ministry has approved India’s first daily hydrogen-powered train service between Jind and Sonipat. This train will promote clean energy and emits only water steam. An indigenous refueling facility has also been set up for this in Jind.
New Delhi [भारत]July 10 (ANI): According to sources, the Railway Ministry has approved the launch of India’s first daily hydrogen-powered train service between Jind and Sonipat.
Sources said the service will run as train number 74010/74009 and will have commercial stoppages at Jind City, Pandu Pindara, Lalit Kheda, Bhambhewa, Ishapur Khedi, Butana, Khandrai, Gohana, Rabhada, Lath, Mohana, Haryana and Barwasni.
Subsequently, a trial run of the hydrogen-powered train was conducted between Delhi and Jind in June, focusing on key parameters such as emergency braking distance and train vibration.
Train features and speed
In May, Indian Railways had approved the introduction of 10-coach hydrogen fuel cell-based trainsets on the Jind-Sonipat section of the Northern Railways.
According to the Railway Ministry, the trainset is ‘all set to roll out soon’ and will run at a maximum speed of 75 kmph using a ‘1200 kW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system’.
Why is hydrogen fuel cell technology special?
The move aims to promote cleaner and more energy-efficient rail transport.
The ministry said hydrogen fuel cell technology ‘generates electricity through a chemical reaction using hydrogen, with the only emission being water vapour’, making it ‘a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based traction systems’.
With this initiative, India joins countries like Germany, Japan, China and the United States that are exploring hydrogen-powered rail transport. The Jind-Sonipat section in Haryana has been selected as a pilot route for operation.
Refueling station built in Jind, strong security arrangements
An indigenous hydrogen storage and refueling facility has also been set up at Jind for the trainsets. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) has granted the necessary licenses for the storage and distribution of compressed hydrogen gas at the site.
According to the ministry, a hydrogen compression system has been installed for refueling operations with technical support and critical spare parts ‘to ensure reliable and fail-safe functioning’. A standby compressor unit is also being arranged.
The ministry further said that safety sensors such as ‘hydrogen leak detectors and flame detectors’ installed in hydrogen production, storage and distribution facilities will be regularly inspected and cleaned to ensure safe operations.
Indian Railways has also prepared operation and maintenance manuals for the hydrogen trainsets and hydrogen plants approved by RDSO along with safety provisions, audits and standard operating procedures for the maintenance facility at Shakurbasti. (ANI)
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