Taking a big step in the field of technology, Indian Railways has successfully tested the country’s first hydrogen-powered train. This trial took place at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.
This historic achievement will not only add a new chapter to India’s railway history, but will also protect the environment. The special thing is that this technology is completely indigenous, which has been developed by Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory (ICF). This information was given by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav.
He said that the trial test of the hydrogen train has been successfully completed. India is now also working on a 1200 horsepower hydrogen train. With this success, India has joined the list of select countries like Sweden, Germany, China and France, where the technology of trains running on hydrogen fuel is available.
The first train will be available on this day
Under the pilot project, the railways trialled this train on a distance of 89 km on the Jind-Sonipat rail section of Haryana. The total cost of this project is said to be Rs 111.83 crore. This train, which runs at a speed of 110 km per hour, can be run regularly soon. According to sources, an eight-coach non-AC hydrogen train will run on this route of Northern Railway, which will have hydrogen fuel power cars on both sides. It is being told that ICF is preparing to give the first delivery of this train by August 31.
A boon for the environment
Hydrogen trains are extremely environment friendly. Compared to diesel and electric trains, these trains almost eliminate pollution. These trains neither emit smoke nor harmful gases like carbon dioxide. Based on hydrogen fuel cell technology, these trains generate electricity from the chemical reaction of hydrogen gas and oxygen, which helps in running the train. In this process, only water and steam are emitted as by-products, which does not cause any harm to the environment.
Hydrogen for Heritage Scheme
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav had told the Rajya Sabha during the year 2023 that under the Railways’ Hydrogen for Heritage scheme, there is a plan to run 35 hydrogen trains on heritage and hilly routes. It will cost around Rs 80 crore to prepare one train, while Rs 70 crore will be spent on preparing ground infrastructure in plain and hilly areas. Railways has set a budget of Rs 2800 crore for this entire project.
