Indian Railways initiates “Hydrogen for Heritage” project, plans to operate 35 Hydrogen trains for a greener future

The Hydrogen for Heritage project aims to revolutionise the railway industry by incorporating hydrogen fuel cells as an alternative to diesel engines. The project also promotes clean energy sources with the aim of minimising harmful pollutants.

The Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, confirmed this development in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, stating that the first prototype train will undergo field trials on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway.

Initially estimated at an expenditure of Rs 80 crores per train and Rs 70 crores per route for ground infrastructure, the project marks a significant investment in sustainable transportation. Vaishnaw further revealed that Indian Railways has awarded a pilot project worth Rs 111.83 crores for the retrofitment of a hydrogen fuel cell on an existing Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rake, in addition to the associated ground infrastructure. This pilot project is scheduled to operate on the Jind-Sonipat section of the Northern Railway.

While the initial costs of running these hydrogen fuel trains is expected to be expensive, but with the increase in the number of trains running on the alternative fuel, the projected expenditure will decrease.

The introduction of hydrogen as a fuel source will not only offer significant advantages in the realm of green transportation technology, but will also align India’s zero carbon emission goals. By utilizing hydrogen fuel cells instead of diesel engines, these trains emit zero carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, making them a far more environmentally friendly option. The introduction of hydrogen-powered trains will pave the way for a cleaner greener future. Indian Railways has been steadfast in its pursuit of sustainable practices, with a focus on achieving 100 percent electrification. The introduction of hydrogen-powered trains will lend itself to the significant reduction of carbon emissions.

As the trials are set to begin in March 2024, the General Manager of Northern Railway, Shobhan Chaudhry, has confirmed the timeline, providing assurance that the initiative is well on track. With the commencement of the project, the success of this pilot project could also potentially revolutionize the entire railway sector and inspire other industries to explore similar clean energy solutions.

With the “Hydrogen for Heritage” initiative, Indian Railways is taking a significant stride towards embracing innovative and eco-friendly technologies. By adopting hydrogen fuel cells in their operations, the railways not only promote a greener environment but also set a precedent for sustainable transportation across the country.

Indian Railways’ commitment to reducing carbon emissions also highlights the government’s determination towards building a cleaner and greener future for the generations to come.

Through the implementation of hydrogen-powered trains, the railway network in India has the potential to become a role model for environmentally conscious transportation worldwide, making significant strides towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.