NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Taking a major step towards a sustainable and green mode of transportation, Indian Railways is all set to launch its first indigenously built hydrogen train on 17th July. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will flag-off the train in Haryana from Jind Railway Station. A senior Railway officer said that they’ve received the confirmation from the Prime Minister’s Office that the first Hydrogen Train will be flagged off by the Prime Minister on 17th July from Jind.
After the launch, the train will start its commercial operations, covering 356 km every day and making two 89 km circular trips between Jind and Sonipat. The maintenance depot is situated at Shakurbasti in Delhi. TUV SUD, an independent international testing and certification organisation, carried out the safety and design inspections.
As per the security protocols, the hydrogen power system will be turned off bringing the train to a “dead” condition, from there a diesel locomotive will shift it to the maintenance facility. The train is equipped with eight passenger coaches consisting of 682 seats and will facilitate around 2,600 passengers.The designed maximum speed of the train is 110 kmph but the operations will be carried out at 75 kmph on the Jind-Sonipat route.
This train features two Driving Power Cars (DPC) positioned at either end of the 10-coach trainset (one at the front and one at the back). The eight passenger coaches are located in the middle. The total traction capacity stands at 2,400 kW (approximately 3,200 hp), as each DPC can generate 1,200 kilowatts (kW) of power (1,600 hp) which will be enough for the train to operate smoothly. At peak capacity the train is expected to use around 300 kg of hydrogen each day.
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The train will be powered by hydrogen fuel cells that convert compressed hydrogen into electricity. This train is designed to store 440 kg of compressed hydrogen. Being highly sustainable and environmentally friendly it only emits water as a byproduct. The commencement of the first hydrogen train will mark a monumental milestone in India’s transition toward zero-emission transportation.
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