A Milestone in Sustainable Transport
India is set to debut its first hydrogen-powered train, marking a significant advance in clean transportation. The train, equipped with a powerful 1,200-horsepower fuel cell, offers a greener future for rail travel.
Prototype Tested Successfully
The hydrogen-powered coach—known as the Driving Power Car—was tested at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, marking successful trials and pushing the project closer to commercial rollout. Multiple safety systems, including leak detection and flame sensors, have been integrated to meet international standards.
How It Works & Technical Specs
- Powered by hydrogen fuel cells—emissions are limited to water and heat.
- The 10-coach train can carry over 2,600 passengers, with a top speed of around 110 km/h.
- Each power car stores hydrogen at 350 bar pressure in specialized cylinders.
- Dedicated hydrogen refuelling infrastructure (3,000 kg capacity) is being set up at Jind in Haryana.
India Among the First Globally
With this project, India joins a select group of nations like Germany, China, and the UK to adopt hydrogen rail technology. It’s part of Indian Railways’ broader “Hydrogen for Heritage” initiative, aiming to deploy 35 such trains—each costing approximately ₹80 crore, with ₹70 crore per route for infrastructure.
Towards a Net-Zero Railway Network
The hydrogen train aligns with India’s broader goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the railway sector by 2030. By reducing reliance on diesel and embracing renewable energy, this innovation paves the way for cleaner, quieter rail travel.
Explore more on India’s green transport developments at gpsc-ojas.com/news.
