India’s First Hydrogen train to begin trials this December

This is one of the most important stages in Railways' plan to reach an ambitious target: becoming a net-zero carbon-emitting organization by 2030. The first hydrogen train will be tested on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana's Delhi Division.

India’s first hydrogen train will be rolled out in the 2024-25 fiscal year, according to trial runs scheduled for this December. This is one of the most important stages in Railways’ plan to reach an ambitious target: becoming a net-zero carbon-emitting organization by 2030. The first hydrogen train will be tested on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana’s Delhi Division.

A senior railway official confirmed that India’s first hydrogen train is going to run in the Delhi Division of Northern Railway. It will have trials in December.

For instance, 35 hydrogen trains will be introduced particularly on heritage and hilly routes under the “Hydrogen for Heritage” initiative. Hydrogen fuel cell trains produce water and steam as only emissions, thus bearing no pollution. They also have been contemplated as appropriate to implement energy-efficient technology initiatives: the HOG system, LED lighting, and solar power installations.

Indian Railways has allocated Rs 2,800 crore this year for hydrogen trains. Additionally, it has reserved 600 crore for hydrogen infrastructure on heritage routes. A separate project is also under way to retrofit diesel DEMUs with hydrogen fuel cells.

If the project is a success, then India will join ranks with other green transport leaders like Germany and China..