Hydrogen Trains will be a reality in India in 2023
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed on Wednesday that India will have its first hydrogen (H2) train built and constructed domestically by December 2023 on the historic Kalka-Shimla route.
Vande Metro will be the name given to the forthcoming H2-powered trains. It would first run on historic, narrow-gauge lines like as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Kalka Shimla Railway, Matheran Hill Railway, Kangra Valley, Bilmora Waghai, and Marwar-Devgarh Madriya, making travel more ecologically friendly.
Hydrogen trains employ hydrogen fuel cells instead of standard diesel engines. By converting H2 and oxygen, the hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity, which is then used to power the train’s motors.
Because hydrogen trains do not release hazardous pollutants like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, or particulate matter, they are a greener alternative than typical diesel trains. Another benefit is that H2 can be produced using renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, or hydropower, making the fuel supply for these trains clean and renewable.
Despite the fact that this technology is still in its infancy, with only a few countries using it on a limited basis, India’s early adoption is seen as a significant step toward green initiatives though the operating cost of a fuel cell-based engine will be 27% higher than that of a diesel engine.
Indian Railways (IR) has envisaged to run 35 (thirty five) Hydrogen trains under “Hydrogen for Heritage” at an estimated cost of Rs. 80 crores per train and ground infrastructure of Rs. 70 crores per route on various heritage/hill routes.
Besides, IR has also awarded a pilot project for retro fitment of Hydrogen Fuel cell on existing Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rake along with ground infrastructure at the cost of Rs. 111.83 crores which is planned to be run on Jind –Sonipat section of Northern Railway.
Field trials of the first prototype on Jind –Sonipat section of Northern Railway is expected to commence in 2023-2024.
The running cost of Hydrogen fuel-based train is not established in IR scenario. It is estimated that the initial running cost of Hydrogen fuel train-set will be higher which will subsequently reduce with increase in number of trains. Further, the use of Hydrogen as fuel provides larger benefits in the direction of green transportation technology to support zero carbon emission goals as a clean energy source.
This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronic & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Reference PIB and www.cleanfuture.co.in