August 8, 2021
2 mins read

Railways to go green with hydrogen-powered trains

“After conversion, the train will run on hydrogen fuel, the greenest mode of transport as hydrogen can be generated by electrolysing the water from solar energy,” he said…reports Asian Lite News.

Taking a big leap towards going green, the Indian Railways has decided to introduce the country’s first hydrogen-fuelled train.

Initially, the hydrogen fuel based technology will be introduced on the 89 km long Sonipat-Jind route. The Railways has also floated tenders for retrofitting the existing DEMU rakes into green fuel based train.

A Railway Ministry spokesperson said that the transporter, as part of the National Hydrogen Energy Mission, has taken a leap forward in development of hydrogen fuel cell based power movement to kick off the concept of Hydrogen Mobility in the country. He said that this will be done by converting or retrofitment of existing DEMU rakes.

The official said that the loco pilot of the locomotive will not face any problem as there will be no change in the driving console.

Highlighting the national transporter’s plan, the official said, “Initially, two DEMU rakes will be converted, and later two Hybrid narrow gauge locos will be converted base on Hydrogen Fuel Cell power movement.”

He said railways had invited bids for hydrogen fuel cell based technology by retrofitting DEMU in the 89 km Sonipat-Jind Section of Northern Railway.

He explained that the retrofitting of diesel powered DEMU and converting it into hydrogen fuel powered train set will not only save costs to the tune of Rs 2.3 crore annually by converting from diesel to hydrogen, but also save the carbon footprint (NO2) of 11.12 kilo tons per annum and particulate matter of 0.72 kilo tons per annum.

“After conversion, the train will run on hydrogen fuel, the greenest mode of transport as hydrogen can be generated by electrolysing the water from solar energy,” he said.

The official said that after successful implementation of this pilot project, all the rolling stock which will operate on diesel fuel after electrification can be planned to be run on hydrogen fuel.

Another railway ministry official said that as a pilot project, the hydrogen-powered passenger train would be operational in the Northern zone.

The official said that for the first time, two motor coaches with 1,400 horsepower (HP) each would haul the 10-coach hydrogen-powered passenger train.

He said that the train would be running through a push-pull method using two motor coaches being retrofitted with hydrogen kits. The railways floated a tender in the last week of July and the bidding would take place from September 21 to October 5 this year. There would be a pre-bid meeting with the interested bidders on August 17 to address queries on the project.
So far, Germany and Poland are using this method of power generation in railways.

ALSO READ-India, Italy to deepen ties in railways, textile

READ MORE-Over 7,115 MT of oxygen delivered by Railways

Previous Story

Pakistan Draws Flak For Funding Taliban

Next Story

Mamata urges PM not to introduce electricity amendment bill

Latest from -Top News

Modi calls Yoga a journey from ‘me’ to ‘we’

PM Modi showered praise on the Andhra Pradesh government for hosting this year’s national celebrations, commending Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan for their leadership. Prime Minister

UK unites for Yoga Day

Celebrations held across iconic landmarks and campuses under theme ‘One Earth, One Health’ The Indian diaspora and local communities across the United Kingdom gathered in large numbers on Friday to mark the

Kenya’s Odinga Slams Adani Deal U-Turn

Before the cancellation of the deal, Odinga was among the leaders who defended the Adani Group….reports Asian Lite News Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Friday expressed disappointment over the cancellation

Hindus in Peril in Bangladesh

The rights group submitted new evidence to the ICC, accusing Muhammad Yunus’s interim government of top-level complicity….reports Asian Lite News The Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) on Friday condemned a

India Takes Yoga to the World

Ahead of June 21, yoga events are being held worldwide, promoting health, harmony, and well-being for the 11th IDY…reports Asian Lite News Marking a global celebration of India’s cultural heritage, the Indian
Go toTop

Don't Miss

India’s Bloomberg Bond Index Entry to Attract $5B+

Inclusion of India in the Bloomberg Bond Index is expected

Akash Anand booked for hate speech against BJP

BJP, on Sunday, slammed the BSP for turning into the