A ten-car trainset powered by hydrogen fuel cells will be installed on the Jind-Sonipat stretch of the Northern Railway in Haryana, as part of an ambitious initiative by Indian Railways to promote environmentally friendly and sustainable modes of transportation.
The 1200 KW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system will allow the train, which is slated to start operations soon, to reach a top speed of 75 kmph.
Compared to traditional rail systems that rely on fossil fuels, hydrogen fuel cell technology produces only water vapour as an emission, while hydrogen undergoes a chemical process to produce power. Along with the US, China, Japan, and Germany, India is now investigating hydrogen-powered rail transportation with this project.
With an indigenous hydrogen storage and refueling facility already developed at Jind, the Jind-Sonipat route has been chosen as the prototype corridor. Hydrogen storage and dispensing now has the necessary license from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO).
Indian Railways has implemented stringent operating and safety protocols, which encompass systems to detect hydrogen leaks and flames, round-the-clock monitoring of fueling operations, the deployment of qualified staff, and routine inspections. In the first stage, technical personnel will ride shotgun with the train to make sure everything runs smoothly and safely.
An essential step in the development of hydrogen-based mobility in India, the initiative showcases Indian Railways’ dedication to sustainable energy, innovation, and net-zero carbon targets.
Image Credit: Metro Rail NEws
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