DELHI (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways has approved the country’s first hydrogen-powered train for operations between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana. The 10-coach DEMU train will run under Northern Railway at a top speed of 75 kmph. The project marks a major step towards cleaner railway transport as the train will run using hydrogen fuel cells instead of diesel.
How the Hydrogen Train will work
The train will generate power through hydrogen fuel cells. It will produce 1,200 kilowatts of power and use Distributed Power Rolling Stock (DPRS) technology. Under this system, power equipment stays spread across the train instead of using one separate locomotive. Indian Railways cleared the project after technical approval from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation and safety testing by the Commissioner of Railway Safety.
Operations will start after final clearances
Railway officials said the approval does not mean the train will start carrying passengers immediately. Northern Railway still needs to complete several safety checks and submit compliance reports related to different agencies, including:
- RDSO
- Commissioner of Railway Safety
- Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)
- International safety inspection agencies
PESO has already given permission for storage and filling of compressed hydrogen gas at Jind in Haryana.
Special safety measures in place
The Railway Ministry asked officials to regularly inspect leak detectors, flame detectors and other hydrogen safety systems. Officials said dust can affect these sensors, so teams must clean and maintain them properly for safe operations. Indian Railways will also train staff working at hydrogen refuelling stations and onboard operations. Staff members will receive competency certificates before deployment.
Train maintenance plan
The hydrogen train will only run between Jind and Sonipat. However, Railways has set up maintenance facilities at Shakurbasti in Delhi. For maintenance work, railway teams will switch off the hydrogen system completely. A diesel locomotive will then pull the train between Jind and Shakurbasti. Railway officials said this arrangement follows existing safety rules for hydrogen-powered systems.
Technical Staff to Travel With Train Initially
For the first three months, trained technical staff will travel with the train during operations. These teams will handle any technical issues that may come up during the journey. The hydrogen train project moves Indian Railways closer to using cleaner and greener technology. While final checks still remain, the latest approval brings the country nearer to launching its first hydrogen-powered passenger train service.
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