Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered passenger train on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana, marking a significant milestone in the country's transition towards green transportation. During the launch, the Prime Minister said India has joined a select group of nations capable of operating hydrogen-powered trains and claimed that the newly launched train is both the world's longest and most powerful hydrogen-powered passenger train.
Addressing a gathering in Jind, PM Modi said only three to four countries across the world currently possess the capability to operate hydrogen-powered trains. "India's first hydrogen train is the strongest as well as the longest hydrogen-powered train anywhere in the world," he said, describing the project as a reflection of the country's growing technological capabilities and commitment to sustainable development.
Designed, engineered and integrated entirely in India, the hydrogen-powered train has been developed using indigenous technology, showcasing India's advancements in railway engineering and clean mobility solutions.
The train is powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology, which generates electricity onboard through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The process emits only water vapour and heat, making it a zero-carbon-emission mode of transport. Unlike conventional electric trains, it does not depend on continuous overhead electric lines, as the electricity required for propulsion is generated within the train itself.
The train completed its inaugural journey smoothly at around 70 kmph, validating Indian Railways' claims regarding its performance. Passengers experienced a quiet and comfortable ride with minimal noise and vibrations, highlighting one of the major advantages of hydrogen fuel cell technology over conventional diesel-powered trains.
India's hydrogen train features a 10-coach configuration, making it one of the longest hydrogen-powered passenger trainsets developed anywhere in the world. Equipped with a 3,200-horsepower propulsion system, it is also among the most powerful hydrogen-powered trains currently in operation.
The train has an operational speed of 75 kmph and a design speed of 110 kmph, enabling faster and more efficient services on the 89-kilometre Jind-Sonipat route.
An official statement explained that unlike traditional electric trains that draw power from overhead lines, the hydrogen train carries its own source of power. Electricity is produced onboard through hydrogen fuel cells using oxygen from the atmosphere, eliminating combustion and dependence on external power supply while producing only water vapour as a by-product.
The hydrogen-powered train represents one of the cleanest forms of rail transportation available today. Besides eliminating tailpipe emissions, it significantly reduces noise pollution and lowers India's dependence on imported fossil fuels and electricity generated from thermal power plants.
The use of green hydrogen is expected to support India's broader climate goals by promoting sustainable transport solutions while reducing carbon emissions from the railway sector.
To ensure safe operations, the train has been fitted with multi-layer safety systems capable of detecting hydrogen leaks, heat, flames and smoke, making it one of the safest advanced train technologies introduced by Indian Railways.
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