Sonipat: Another big chapter is going to be added in the history of Indian Railways. The country’s first hydrogen passenger train (HMU), designed on the lines of DMU and EMU, is all set to start its first commercial journey between Sonipat and Jind. According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi can flag off this state-of-the-art train on 13th or 17th July, in which it is most expected that its commercial launch will be on 17th July. According to the initial plan, this train will run on the tracks six days a week and two trips will be made every day. One day of the week will be reserved for its maintenance and upkeep on which the train will be completely on rest.
Big reason for taking only two trips a day
The main reason behind limiting this train to only two trips daily is its fueling capacity. In fact, the tank capacity of the hydrogen train is such that once the fuel is completely filled, it can travel only about 350 to 360 kilometers. However, in terms of travel experience, it will be as smooth as normal passenger trains. A total of 10 coaches have been installed in this entire train, out of which eight coaches will be directly available for the passengers to travel. With this capacity, approximately 2600 passengers will be able to travel in the train at a time. To make it technically stronger, eight fuel cells have been installed in the train. Although this train has a speed capacity of more than 130 kilometers per hour, but keeping in mind the safety and initial commercial run, it will currently run at a maximum speed of 75 kilometers per hour only.
Currently, the country’s first hydrogen train will run on this route.
In the initial phase, the services of this train will be limited only to Sonipat-Jind section. However, the railway administration is working on a big plan to run it on other important routes of Delhi and Haryana in the coming time. An interesting aspect to the operation of this train is that whenever it is brought from Sonipat to Shakurbasti shed in Delhi for routine maintenance, it will not work on its main hydrogen system. While being transported to and from the shed, it will be pulled by a normal railway engine.
