Indian Railways is set to operate its first hydrogen-powered train, marking a key milestone in its clean-energy transition and efforts to promote self-reliant technology adoption in the transport sector. The move underscores the government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and exploring alternative fuels beyond conventional diesel and electric traction.

The hydrogen train demonstration will involve retrofitting an existing train with a hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion system. This technology uses hydrogen stored onboard, which reacts with oxygen in fuel cells to generate electricity, with water as the only tailpipe emission. The trial run aims to validate the performance, safety and operational feasibility of hydrogen propulsion under Indian conditions.

According to rail officials, the pilot project is part of a broader strategy to decarbonise rail transport and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. Hydrogen technology is being examined not just for locomotives but also for shunting engines and multiple-unit trains, where battery and hydrogen combinations can offer flexible solutions for routes that remain unelectrified or have intermittent grid access.

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The demonstration is expected to provide crucial data for future deployment of hydrogen trains on select routes, especially in regions where renewable energy availability can support green hydrogen production. If successful, hydrogen traction could complement the Indian Railways’ existing initiatives to electrify its network and introduce battery-hybrid trains, further enhancing sustainability and operational efficiency.

This project aligns with India’s commitments under the National Hydrogen Mission and broader climate goals. By showcasing indigenous capabilities in hydrogen technology, Indian Railways also hopes to stimulate the domestic manufacturing ecosystem for hydrogen fuel cells, storage systems, and related infrastructure, in line with the nation’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

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