To achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, Railways moving fast on hydrogen powered trains
The development of hydrogen-powered trains aligns with the railway’s broader goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 and underscores its commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions
In the heart of India’s vast landscape, where centuries-old traditions meet the relentless pulse of modernity, the railway tracks are humming with a new kind of energy. The last decade has seen an unprecedented transformation of Indian Railways, once a symbol of enduring history, now racing towards a future of cutting-edge innovation.
Vande Bharat, a gleaming symbol of national pride, has become a beacon of technological progress, a high-speed marvel that links distant corners of the country in record time.
The bullet train, a dream once considered a distant fantasy, is now poised to redefine travel, cutting through time and space with unmatched precision.
But the revolution doesn’t end there—India’s ambitious journey into sustainability takes flight with hydrogen-powered trains, set to leave a greener footprint on the tracks. In this new age of rail, India is not just moving forward—it is accelerating towards a future where speed, sustainability, and technology converge.
The first hydrogen-powered train is expected to undergo trial runs next month on the Jind–Sonipat section of the Northern Railway in Haryana. Indian Railways plans to introduce 35 such trains this year, focusing on routes currently dependent on diesel. This initiative aligns with the railway’s broader goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 and underscores its commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions.
Currently retrofitting a Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rake with hydrogen fuel cells is on, marking a crucial step in introducing eco-friendly alternatives to diesel-powered trains. This pilot project aims to pave the way for green mobility in India’s vast railway network.
The train is designed to be among the world’s longest and most powerful hydrogen trains, featuring a power plant of 2,400 kW that includes 1,600 kW from Ballard fuel cells and 800 kW from batteries. It will consist of ten cars, including two head motor cars and eight non-motor cars, with a passenger capacity of 2,638. The train is expected to reach a maximum speed of 110 km/h and have a range of approximately 375 km.
To support its operations, Indian Railways is also establishing infrastructure for hydrogen production, storage, and refueling, with a facility in Jhajjar district, Haryana. This facility will be equipped with a 1 MW electrolyzer capable of producing 420 kilograms of hydrogen daily and storing up to 3,000 kilograms for refueling.
According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, “The specifications for this fully indigenously developed train have been prepared by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO). This is slated to be among the longest hydrogen trains in the world presently. It will also be among the maximum powered hydrogen trains in the world.”
“Along with the train, concomitant on-ground infrastructure to refill hydrogen is envisioned with an integrated hydrogen production-storage-dispensation facility. Necessary safety approvals for the facility layout from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) are in place,” Vaishnaw recently informed Parliament.
However, several challenges are associated with this ambitious project. Technological hurdles include integrating hydrogen fuel cells into existing train systems, ensuring the reliability of fuel cells, and managing hydrogen storage and refueling processes. Infrastructure development poses another significant challenge, as setting up the necessary hydrogen production and refueling facilities requires adhering to strict safety protocols and involves high costs. The financial investment required is substantial, with each hydrogen-powered train estimated to cost around Rs.80 crore and an additional Rs.70 crore needed for infrastructure development per route.
Solar and wind energy projects have also been integrated into the rail ecosystem. Solar panels have been installed at key stations and along railway tracks to harness renewable energy for operational needs. These steps contribute to reducing the railways’ dependency on fossil fuels.
The redevelopment of railway stations has been another area of focus. Stations like Rani Kamalapati in Bhopal and Gandhinagar in Gujarat have been transformed into world-class facilities with modern amenities, retail spaces, and seamless transit systems. The government’s station redevelopment programme envisions similar transformations across 400 major stations. Smart ticketing solutions, including QR-based digital tickets, automated ticket vending machines, and facial recognition systems for entry, are being introduced to enhance the passenger experience. Additionally, bio-toilets and improved hygiene measures have made journeys more comfortable.
