India Tests Hydrogen-Powered Trains for Clean Mobility

Hydrogen-Powered Trains in India: A Leap Towards Clean Mobility

1. What is the project about?

Indian Railways has tested its first hydrogen-powered train coach at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai. This marks a significant move towards clean energy in public transport. The aim is to replace diesel-powered units with hydrogen fuel cell systems, which emit only water vapor, making them eco-friendly.

2. Who is implementing it?

The Northern Railway Zone initiated the ₹136 crore project in 2020–21. The project includes:

• Conversion of two 1600-HP diesel cars to hydrogen-powered units.
• Setting up a fuelling and storage facility at Jind, Haryana, with a capacity of 3,000 kg hydrogen.

3. How does the train function?

• It is a 10-coach Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU).
• Powered by fuel cells that convert hydrogen into electricity.
• Each power car carries 220 kg of hydrogen, stored at 350 bar pressure.
• Can accommodate over 2,600 passengers.
• The energy powers traction motors, replacing diesel engines.

4. Why is this technology significant?

Environmental Impact:

• Zero emissions: Hydrogen fuel cells emit only water.
• Reduces greenhouse gases and air pollution.
• Supports India’s goal of achieving Net Zero by 2070.

Energy Security:

• Reduces dependence on imported diesel.
• Hydrogen can be generated domestically using renewable energy (green hydrogen).

Strategic Importance:

• Positions Indian Railways as a global innovator in sustainable transport.
• Aligns with international efforts like Germany’s Coradia iLint—the world’s first passenger hydrogen train.

5. Where else is this being done?

• Germany: Launched the first hydrogen-powered passenger train (Alstom Coradia iLint) in 2018.
• China: Running hydrogen trams in Tangshan and Foshan.
• UK: Trialled ‘HydroFLEX’ trains.
• Japan and South Korea: Investing in hydrogen trains and mobility.

India now joins these nations in exploring hydrogen rail mobility.

6. What safety measures are taken?

• Hydrogen cylinders undergo multiple rounds of rigorous safety testing.
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulates risk scenarios like leaks.
• Complies with safety norms of PESO and DPIIT for storage and handling.

7. How is hydrogen stored and supplied?

• The fuelling facility at Jind has two storage zones:
  • 2,320 kg at low pressure
  • 680 kg at high pressure
• Hydrogen is stored in specially designed cylinders at 350 bar.
• This facility will be the refueling backbone for initial hydrogen train operations.

8. What are the broader benefits?

• Opens doors for hydrogen use in buses, trucks, and marine transport.
• Boosts the green hydrogen economy and manufacturing ecosystem.
• Promotes Make in India in clean tech solutions.
• Strengthens India’s role in global energy transition platforms like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE).