New Delhi: In a historic step which will assure environmentally friendly travel, India is going to unveil its first-ever hydrogen-powered train in December 2024. The train will run sans diesel or electricity and will be a major milestone for Indian Railways which aims to become a “net zero carbon emitter” by 2030.
The train will be the country’s first to use water as a primary power generating source. The train will use hydrogen fuel cells which will produce electricity for the propulsion of the train. The hydrogen fuel cells along with oxygen generate electricity and the steam and water are emitted, resulting in an approach of clean energy.
Why is Railways launching Hydrogen-powered trains?
The Indian Railways is launching the hydrogen train to reduce carbon footprint and air pollution. The train, by using hydrogen fuel cells, can avoid the emission of nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide and particulate matter. Also, compared to the engines powered by diesel, it will produce 60 per cent less noise.
The route and speed of the train
The trial run of the hydrogen train will be on Haryana’s Jind-Sonipat route covering 90 kilometres. There are more routes being considered including heritage mountain railways like the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Kalka-Shimla Railway, and other scenic places in India. The train’s maximum speed is expected to be 140 km per hour and it can travel up to 1,000 kilometres before refuelling.
The expansion of hydrogen trains
Following the successful trial run of the hydrogen train, the Indian Railways is planning to increase its services to other parts of the country. It is expected to launch 35 hydrogen trains across various routes by 2025. Compared to traditional diesel trains, hydrogen trains will offer comparable speed and passenger capacity and will give an eco-friendly alternative without compromising efficiency.
India’s First Hydrogen Train: The hydrogen train will be the country’s first to use water as its primary resource to generate power. The train, unlike the traditional diesel or electric engines, will use hydrogen fuel cells to produce the electricity for propulsion. Biz News Business News – Personal Finance News, Share Market News, BSE/NSE News, Stock Exchange News Today
