JIND (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways has created history with the launch of its first indigenously built Hydrogen Train. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi flagged off the hydrogen train at Jind Railway Station in Haryana. After the launch PM Modi said, “Today, the country has received its first hydrogen train from here. You may recall, and even today, we read and hear, that India’s first train ran between Mumbai and Thane. Similarly, in the coming future, whenever hydrogen trains are mentioned, the names of Jind, Sonipat, and Haryana will inevitably be included.” Highlighting the significance of the “Make in India” initiative, he hinted that the country will continue building more hydrogen trains indigenously.
This train features ten coaches with eight passenger cars, with the capacity of carrying around 2,600 passengers and two Driving Power Cars (DPC) positioned at either end of the train. The total traction capacity stands at 2,400 kW, as each DPC generates 1,200 kilowatts (kW) of power which is enough for the train to operate seamlessly. The designed maximum speed of the train is 110 kmph but it operates at 75 kmph on the Jind–Sonipat route.
India’s largest railway hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has also been built at Jind to support the operations. This specialised facility is capable of storing up to 3,000 kg of hydrogen at a time to keep the train fueled and running efficiently.
The train has been developed under the leadership of Indian Railways with design approval and technical specifications prepared by the Research, Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO). The train’s theme and exterior was designed by Integral Coach Factory (ICF) while M/s Medha Servo Drives integrated and developed the train.
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With this launch, India has become one of the few countries that have the capacity to operate hydrogen-powered trains. PM Modi also stated that the hydrogen train running on the Jind-Sonipat route is the most powerful and longest hydrogen train in the world.
The Union Minister for Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw was also present at the launch and addressing the public during the speech he said, “Today, India has joined the select group of countries where the complete technology for hydrogen trains is available. In Haryana, rail projects worth ₹18,000 crore, 100% electrification, reconstruction of 34 stations, 16 Vande Bharat and 8 Amrit Bharat services are giving new momentum to development.”
Also Read: India’s First Hydrogen Train gears up for launch on 17th July