India is set to unveil its first hydrogen-powered train in December 2024, marking a significant step towards eco-friendly travel. This hydrogen-powered train, which runs without diesel or electricity, is considered to be a major achievement for Indian Railways, taking it a step closer to its goal of becoming net zero carbon emitter by 2030. Let us know some details about this train.
This hydrogen-powered train will be the first train in the country to use water as its primary resource to generate electricity. Unlike traditional diesel or electric engines, it uses hydrogen. That is, now it can be said that Indian Railways has now prepared a train that runs on air. Hydrogen fuel cells combine with oxygen to generate electricity with only steam and water as by-products, resulting in zero harmful emissions. This approach to clean energy is expected to set the standard for future trains in India.
The hydrogen train is part of the dream project of Indian Railways, which aims to reduce the carbon footprint and eliminate air pollution caused by diesel engines. Using hydrogen fuel cells allows the train to avoid emitting carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, making it one of the most sustainable forms of transportation available.
Apart from being environment friendly, hydrogen-powered trains produce 60 percent less noise than diesel-powered engines. With plans to run 35 hydrogen trains across the country, Indian Railways is gearing up for a cleaner, quieter future. The trial run of the hydrogen train will be on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana, which will cover a distance of 90 kilometers. Additional routes under consideration include heritage mountain railways such as Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Kalka-Shimla Railway and others in scenic and remote areas of India.
